Swainson's hawk

[ sweyn-suhnz ]

noun

1. a migratory hawk, Buteo swainsoni, of western North America, that winters in southern South America.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Swainson's hawk¹

1890–95, Americanism; named after William Swainson (1789–1855), English naturalist

Example Sentences

The threatened Swainson’s hawk will lose 10 acres of foraging habitat with the project, and the tricolored blackbird relies on nearby areas for food and its nesting materials.

From Los Angeles Times

A River Partners analysis of the property found species including riparian woodrat, Swainson’s hawk, least Bell’s vireo, yellow warbler, sandhill crane and “an entire suite of neotropical migratory songbirds.”

From Los Angeles Times

As Rentner walked through the forest, a Swainson’s hawk circled overhead.

From Los Angeles Times

“We’ve also seen a number of unusual Western species in Brooklyn, including Townsend’s warbler and Swainson’s hawk.”

From New York Times

Poison also killed a golden eagle, a Swainson’s hawk, 14 ravens, 17 magpies, one coyote and several small mammals.

From Washington Times