Whistler (Swainson’s Hawk)
Buteo swainsoni
Swainson’s
Hawks can have variable plumage, but all have a yellow patch at the base of
their bills, yellow legs, and feet, and dark brown eyes. They prefer open
country like fields, meadows, prairie and shelter belts (wild areas between
agricultural fields). They hunt insects, snakes, birds, and small to medium 
rodents. They migrate to Central and South America in
large flocks catching thermals to gain altitude before gliding for long
distances. They will travel from
11,000-15,000 miles to South America.
Whistler was brought to us by Calif.
Department of Fish and Wildlife in 2013 as a young bird. They had confiscated it from someone who had
clipped its flight and tail feathers. It
had been kept in a wire cage, so its beak was injured and bloodied. It was mildly habituated.