Circus cyaneus
Range
In the winter, they can be found from the southern U.S. to Central America. In the summer, they breed from Alaska, across Canada and down into the northern U.S.
Habitat
They live in fields, prairies and marshes.
Body Traits
They are large hawks that have dark gray backs and wings with a white spotted chest and belly. They can be up to 24 inches tall. One of the ways they can be identified while flying over is that they have a bright white “rump patch” right above their gray tail.
Habits
They hunt by flying low over fields or marshes holding their wings up in a v-shaped pattern. They can hover in one place, but then dive on prey. They use their great hearing to help them find prey.
Diet
They eat small mammals, birds, and frogs.
Reproduction
Males may breed with many females. The females make a nest in the tall grass, higher up on dry ground. She lays 4-9 pale blue eggs and warms them (incubates) herself. The male will bring her food while she cares for the eggs and then the hatched babies.
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vetebrata
Class: Aves
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Accipitridae/Subfamily: Accipitrinae
Genus: Circus
Species: C. cyaneus