A fairly common hawk of the prairies, the Swainson's hawk is identified by the dark breast and contrasting light throat and abdomen. The head, back, primaries and breast are all a dark brownishgrey, and the belly is cream to white in color. The tail is finely barred with a dark terminal band. A rare dark phase, where the entire body appears all black except for the face and banded tail, does exist. In flight, the wings are tilted slightly upwards, similar to the marsh hawk. Swainson's hawk is about 50 cm (20 in) long.

Most of western North America is included in the breeding range, but winters are spent as far south as Argentina. Open areas, as found in the prairie, foothill and parkland zones, fit the lifestyle of the Swainson's hawk. Nests are built in bushes or trees, and 3 to 5 eggs are laid. These hawks are late nesters and the young birds may not leave the nest until the end of July.

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