ron

Swainson’s hawks are known for their long migratory patterns. They will alternate time in the northern and southern hemispheres of the Americas. Swainson’s hawks breeding period is from March to June, they breed in North America, as far north as central Alaska. They tend to prefer open areas where they can readily hunt small mammals, lizards, and insects.

Like most birds, Swainson’s hawks have an intricate courtship. Both the male and female will perform “dances”, soaring high in the sky they will circle each other. Then the male will gracefully dive down a few times before returning to the female. After the courtship ends, they will work together to build their nest. Nesting Swainson’s hawks are extremely territorial and are wary of other large raptors, such as Golden Eagles, Red-Tailed Hawks, who may prey upon small nesting hawks. Typically, Swainson’s hawks will incubate their eggs for about 35 days. During this time, the female will sit on the eggs, protecting them from harm and ensure they stay the correct temperature; meanwhile the male will hunt and bring food to the female. After the eggs hatch, the parents will both begin to hunt for food to bring to the fledglings. After about 43 days, the young birds will begin to learn how to fly. They will remain with their parents until they all migrate south towards South America.

Sunriver Nature Center’s resident Swainson’s hawk is Ron. Ron has been at Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory for eight years. He was blown out of his nest as a fledgling in 2014 and unable to be reunited to his parents in Pendleton, OR. Since Ron missed a critical period of learning how to be a wild hawk he is now cared for by Nature Center wildlife staff.

Since Ron is an imprint bird, he responds positively to his keepers and volunteers that make sure is fed, in a clean environment, and mentally stimulated by enrichment activities.  You can learn more about Ron, or some of our other amazing wildlife, at our 11:00am Wildlife Talks at the Nature Center.

If you would like to help support Ron, please consider donating to Sunriver Nature Center at: snco.org/sponsor.

Quick Facts: 

• Life Span: 16 – 19 years; 24+ years in captivity 
• Weight: 1.5 – 3 pounds (693 – 1367 grams)  
• Wingspan: 4 – 4.5 feet (1.2 – 1.37 m) 
• Activity: Diurnal 
• Native Geographic Region: Throughout the Americas dividing time between the northern and southern regions. Summer range: from east-central Alaska and Canada (including British Columbia) south through the United States (east to Minnesota) to southern California and northern Mexico (including Chihuahua and Durango). Winter range: eastern South America and can be seen in Argentina, Paraguay, and southern Brazil.  

• Habitat: Plains, dry grassland, farmland, ranch country 
• Conservation Status: Least concern