Which bird migrates from North America to South America and is famous for forming kettles over land?
Answer
Broad-winged hawk
The broad-winged hawk migrates from North America to South America and is famous for forming kettles over land.
Broad-winged hawks breed in wooded areas of eastern North America and migrate south through Central America to wintering grounds in South America. During autumn migration, thousands may gather in large circling groups called kettles while rising on thermals.
Thermals are columns of warm rising air. By circling within them, the hawks gain altitude with little flapping and conserve energy during their long journey. This strategy is especially useful for a soaring raptor crossing large distances.
The species is smaller and more compact than many familiar North American hawks. Its broad wings and banded tail help identify it, but plumage varies, so location and flight behavior are useful additional clues.