Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2005-15
| Common name: |
Broad-winged Hawk |
| Scientific name: | Buteo platypterus |
| Date: | April 23, 2005 |
| Time: | 1200p |
| Length of time observed: | 2-3 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Beaver Dam Wash, near Lytle Ranch house |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | 19 |
| Elevation: | ~ 850 m |
| Distance to bird: | 50 - 200 m |
| Optical equipment: | 10 x 42 binoculars |
| Weather: | clear and sunny |
| Light Conditions: | full sun |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Light-phased adult, observed mostly from below. Small, chunky hawk with broad but fairly pointed wings, and relatively short tail. Flushed and observed flying / soaring overhead. Upperside - uniformly brownish except for boldly barred tail. Underside - Body: reddish-brown throat and upper chest turning to streaking on a white background on lower chest and becoming sparser towards tail, white undertail coverts. Wings: mostly light below with dark primary tips and complete dark trailing edge on primaries and secondaries. Light patagial area. Tail: with bold black and white bands. From below - broad white band bordered with bold black bands on either side and a thin white terminal edge. Additional thin white band at the base of the tail was visible when viewed from above. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | silent |
| Behavior: | Flying / soaring |
| Habitat: | Riparian area along desert stream |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Distinguished from other small hawks by size, shape, tail pattern, and dark wing
border. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Familiar with Broad-winged and other hawks |
| References consulted: | |
| Description from: | Notes taken at time of sighting |
| Observer: | Rick Fridell |
| Observer's address: | 3505 West 290 North, Hurricane |
| Observer's e-mail address: | rfridell@redrock.net |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Larry Tripp, Kevin Wheeler, and Pam Larson |
| Date prepared: | June 10, 1005 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: | Notes were made shortly following the sighting. |