Broad-winged hawks breed in continuous deciduous or mixed deciduous forests in North America. They winter in tropical forests in Central and South America. During their fall and winter migrations, huge number of migrating birds can be seen from hawk watch sites. They usually migrate in large flocks or “kettles” that can range from a couple of individuals to thousands.
Broad-winged hawk eggs and chicks are most vulnerable to predation, especially from raccoons, porcupines, American crows, black bears and great horned owls. In North America, broad-winged hawks are considered quite common, but on a global scale populations are believed to be declining. The species is protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Act and CITES Appendix II. Besides predation, primary threats to the broad-winged hawk include trapping, shooting, and vehicle collisions.
