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Swainson's Hawk

Swainson's Hawk line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Swainson's Hawk full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The Swainson's Hawk was completed on 4.20.2011. When illustrating a hawk, or any bird for that matter, I have to decide which will make a more compelling image: in flight or perched? Each pose offers different things to the viewer. In flight, the details of the feathers and more of the bird's body can be seen. When a bird is perched, like a hawk often is, this is more likely to be the way a casual bird watcher might see it. In this case I decided to go with the Swainson's Hawk in flight. The drawing is based on a photo by Ned Harris

Information about the Swainson's Hawk:

The Swainson's Hawk was named after the the British naturalist William Swainson. These are medium-sized, slender raptors with a wingspan of 4.5 feet, a body length of 17 - 22 inches and weighing between 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 pounds. These birds inhabit the dry grassy plains of western North America. There are two different morphs; one light and one dark. These hawks are migratory, heading far into South America each fall. Like other hawks, this bird soars over open ground, searching for prey. They feed on small mammals like mice, gophers, young rabbits, along with small birds, lizards and insects. While the bird is not considered endangered, it remains California Department of Fish and Game listing as threatened.