This small woodland hawk is a common migrant but uncommon nesting species in Iowa. Nesting birds are usually found in eastern or southern Iowa but have been found elsewhere as well. Broad-wings spend much of their time within the forest canopy and often are missed, even when they are nesting in an area. It can be confused with the similar appearing Red-shouldered Hawk but its call is a clear whistle rather than the “kee-ar" scream of the red-shoulder. Also, broad-wings have fewer black and white bands on their tail than do red-shoulders. Although its numbers may be reduced from the past, we know little about any reasons for a decline. Presumably forest loss and fragmentation of remaining forest habitat are involved but other factors such as pesticides may also be important.
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indicates a designated IBA.