Broad-Winged Hawk Size Explained & Compared With Others

Broad-winged Hawk Height

Broad-Winged Hawk Size

Hawks are members of the Accipitridae family of birds of prey. They are widespread and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. The broad-winged hawk belongs to the genus Buteo and is a medium-sized hawk.

The broad-winged hawk is an eastern deciduous woodland hawk that cannot be found west of the Rocky Mountains. 

These raptors are small and compact, with chunky bodies and large heads. Their broad wings come to a point in the flight. Their small and compact size easily distinguishes them.

If we look at the size of a broad-winged hawk in terms of its standing height (measured from the tip of its head to the tip of its feet, the length of an average adult-sized bird would be 32 to 44 cm (13 to 17 in) in length. 

Additionally, you can also observe that the females of the species are quite larger than the males. 

Height Centimeter Inches Feet
Broad-Winged Hawk32 to 44 cm13 to 17 in1.04 to 1.44 ft

Broad-winged Hawk Weight

Broad-Winged Hawk Size

If we look at the size of the Broad-winged Hawk in terms of its body mass, that is its weight, then we would have to first look into their eating habits and lifestyle. Broad-winged hawks are carnivores, and their diet changes depending on the season. These birds take special care in preparing their food for consumption, such as skinning frogs and snakes and plucking the feathers of prey birds. 

However, most small mammals are eaten whole. Remarkably, they hardly ever drink water and can survive solely on the water found in their prey.

We know that the Broad-winged Hawk is a compact, small and stocky bird, which has an average body mass or weight of about 265 to 560 g (9.3 to 19.8 oz). 

In addition to being longer, female Broad-Winged Hawks are also quite heavier than their male counterparts. 

WeightGrams Kilograms Pounds 
Broad-Winged Hawk265 to 560 g0.26 to 0.56 kgs 9.3 to 19.8 oz

Broad-winged Hawk Wingspan

Broad-Winged Hawk Size

Lastly, when looking at the size of the birds one cannot forget to list their wingspan. Wings are one of the most crucial body features of birds, which makes them unique from other species, as well as helps them in their day-to-day lifestyle. 

As the name suggests these birds have broad-sized wings that are relatively short. 

The trailing edge of the wings of the Broad-winged Hawk is straight and lacks a significant bulge, allowing them to flap quickly and shallowly. 

Broad-winged hawks have pointed wing tips in flight, and their wing tips do not reach the end of the tail when perched.

The wingspan of the Broad-winged Hawk, the distance from the tip of one wing to the other is about  74 to 100 cm (29 to 39 in).

WingspanCentimeter Inches Feet
Broad-Winged Hawk74 to 100 cm29 to 39 in2.42 to 3.28 ft

Broad-winged Hawk Size Compared To Human

Coming to the most interesting part of the article, we are now going to compare the species of Broad-winged Hawks with other species of birds and mammals such as humans. Humans are quite large and heavier than birds.

An average adult human has a weight of about 60 to 80 kg (132-176 lb) and a length of 5.5 to 5.9 feet, which is very large if compared to the Broad-winged Hawk

Broad Winged Hawk Size Vs Red Tail Hawk Size Comparison

The Red-Tailed Hawk is the most common hawk in North America. They usually fly over open fields in leisurely circles, using their broad and rounded wings to do so. 

Red-tailed Hawks are massive hawks with Buteo proportions, meaning they have broad and rounded wings and a short and wide tail like the Broad-winged Hawk.

Red-tailed Hawks, like other hawks, exhibit sexual dimorphism based on their gender. That is, the female Red-Tailed Hawk is significantly larger and 25% heavier than the male.

On average the Red-Tailed Hawk typically has a length between 45 to 65 cm or 18 to 26 inches, weighs 690 to 1,300 g or 1.52 to 2.87 lb, and has a wingspan of 105 to 141 cm (3 ft 5 in to 4 ft 8 in). 

BirdHeight WeightWingspan 
Broad-winged Hawk 32 to 44 cm (13 to 17 in)265 to 560 g (9.3 to 19.8 oz)74 to 100 cm (29 to 39 in)
Red-Tailed Hawk 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)24.3-45.9 oz (690-1300 g)105 to 141 cm (3 ft 5 in to 4 ft 8 in)

The Red-tailed hawk is quite popular among the hawk species, it is quite larger than the Broad-winged Hawk in terms of overall length and wingspan. 

Additionally, you can see that in comparison to the Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawks are heavier, they are twice as heavy as the Broad-winged hawk.

Broad Winged Hawk Vs Red Shouldered Hawk Size Comparison

The Red-shouldered Hawk is a large hawk with black and white striped wings and tail, but it is smaller than the Broad-winged Hawk.

In addition, Broad-winged hawks are not only smaller and lighter, but they are also more delicately formed and appear longer than other types of Hawks.

Red-Shouldered Hawks range in size from 16.9 to 24.0 in (43 to 61 cm) and weigh 17.1 to 27.3 oz (486 to 774 g) with wingspans ranging from 37.0 to 43.7 in (94-111 cm).

BirdHeight WeightWingspan 
Broad-winged Hawk 32 to 44 cm (13 to 17 in)265 to 560 g (9.3 to 19.8 oz)74 to 100 cm (29 to 39 in)
Red-Shouldered Hawk 16.9 to 24.0 in (43 to 61 cm) 17.1 to 27.3 oz (486 to 774 g)37.0-43.7 in (94-111 cm)

In comparison to the Broad-winged Hawk, the Red-shouldered hawk is smaller in size and weight. 

Conclusion

And that was everything you need to know about the size of a Broad-winged Hawk. I hope this article was informative enough and you got something useful from it.

Thank You For Reading!

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