broad-winged hawk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical/scientific, birdwatching (birding)
Quick answer
What does “broad-winged hawk” mean?
A specific species of medium-sized hawk of North and South America, characterized by relatively short, broad wings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific species of medium-sized hawk of North and South America, characterized by relatively short, broad wings.
The term refers specifically to the raptor *Buteo platypterus*. In extended or poetic usage, it can denote a hawk with the physical characteristic of broad wings, though the capitalised form typically references the specific species.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in form. The species is native to the Americas, so the term is equally likely to be used by birdwatchers in both varieties, though more frequently in North America where the bird is found.
Connotations
None specific to either variety; purely ornithological.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the bird's range, but overall a low-frequency specialist term in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “broad-winged hawk” in a Sentence
The [adj] broad-winged hawk [verb]...We observed a broad-winged hawk [verb+ing]...Buteo platypterus, the broad-winged hawk, is known for...A broad-winged hawk's [noun] is...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broad-winged hawk” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The bird had a broad-winged silhouette against the sky. (Descriptive, not the species name)
American English
- We identified the raptor by its broad-winged profile. (Descriptive)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biological, zoological, ecological, and conservation texts.
Everyday
Rarely used outside of birdwatching or nature contexts.
Technical
Core term in ornithology, wildlife biology, and birding guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “broad-winged hawk”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “broad-winged hawk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broad-winged hawk”
- Misspelling as 'broadwinged hawk' or 'broad winged hawk' without the hyphen.
- Confusing it with other Buteo species like the red-shouldered hawk.
- Using it as a general adjective instead of a proper noun (e.g., 'a broad-winged hawk shape' vs. 'a shape like that of a broad-winged hawk').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily the specific common name for the species *Buteo platypterus*. It can be used descriptively ('a hawk with broad wings'), but when capitalised or in a birding context, it refers to the species.
They breed in deciduous and mixed forests across eastern North America and winter in Central and South America. Large migratory flocks are visible at specific hawk-watch sites in autumn.
The broad-winged hawk is smaller, has a more compact body with shorter, broader wings, and a distinctly different tail pattern (bold black and white bands). Its call is a high-pitched whistle, unlike the red-tail's raspy scream.
Yes, in standard usage. 'Broad-winged' is a compound adjective modifying 'hawk'. The hyphen clarifies that 'broad' modifies 'winged', not 'hawk' directly.
A specific species of medium-sized hawk of North and South America, characterized by relatively short, broad wings.
Broad-winged hawk is usually technical/scientific, birdwatching (birding) in register.
Broad-winged hawk: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrɔːd wɪŋd ˈhɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbrɑːd wɪŋd ˈhɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a hawk whose wings are so BROAD they look like they could be used as PLATES (hinting at the species name 'platypterus', meaning 'broad-winged').
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for this specific zoological term.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using the term 'broad-winged hawk'?