Family Cathartiformes
Family Cathartidae
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Status and abundance: Fairly common year-round resident in Shawnee Hills and Ohio River Floodplain from Massac County to Shawneetown, Gallatin County. Occasional to uncommon migrant in remainder of Floodplains and Till Plain.
Habitat: Soars high over hilly areas. Nests in bluffs, hollow trees, and isolated abandoned barns or houses. Roosts in trees and on electric and communications towers.
Records and remarks: Most numerous in Johnson, Pope, Massac, and southern Saline counties. Often associates with Turkey Vultures, particularly at roost sites. Recently increasing along the Mississippi River valley in Randolph County and also in the Till Plain near Rend Lake.
SPRING—The initiation of northward movement varies annually. In some winters nearly all Black Vultures retreat south of the region, so their arrival after the first warming period in January or February can be conspicuous. In milder years a thin winter population can obscure detection of first spring arrivals. The length of the migratory period is uncertain. Most begin breeding during April and southern Illinois is at the northern edge of the breeding range, so it is likely that the entire breeding population has arrived by sometime in February.
99, Johnson Co., 31 Jan 1992 (TF)
50, Heron Pond, 3 Apr 1999 (DK)
SUMMER—Nests are typically placed on bare ground in a sheltered cove within a bluff. They may also sometimes nest in large hollow tree stumps or in abandoned buildings.
AUTUMN—After breeding, communal roosts form again. There seems to be a limited post-breeding dispersal that is revealed by some late autumn records from northern and western sections of the region.
60, Vienna, Johnson Co., 21 Aug 1989 (TF)
1, Rend Lake, 17 Oct 2014 (O. Johnson)
100, Johnson Co., 1 Nov 1999 (FB)
WINTER—Some Black Vultures stay until sub-freezing weather forces them south. In the past, few were detected in mid- and late winter. Now nearly regular on some of the extreme southern Illinois Christmas Bird Counts.
21, Carbondale, 30 Dec 2001 (RR)
180, Massac Co., 10 Jan 2008 (FB)
31, Vienna, Johnson Co., 4 Jan 1987 (TF)
185, Fish Road Ponds, Jackson Co., 27 Jan 2018 (J. Gorrell)
Documentation: Photograph—Ozark, Johnson Co., 23 Apr 1988 (SIU AP-26).
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Status and abundance: Common migrant and summer resident in Shawnee Hills. Uncommon winter resident in Shawnee Hills. Fairly common migrant and summer resident in Floodplains and Till Plain. Rare winter resident in Floodplains and Till Plain.
Habitat: Soars relatively low over hilly areas as well as flat agricultural lands.
Records and remarks: Usually soars low over forest treetops though may ascend considerably higher on warm days when strong thermals form. After a rain, these vultures sometimes perch high in dead trees or on exposed bluffs and hold their wings out to dry. They commonly roost in groups, often in wooded swamps or on power poles and communication towers.
SPRING—After the first warm spell in January, there is a noticeable arrival of birds. The length of the migratory period is uncertain because of a substantial summer population. Some northbound birds, however, are probably still passing through in early May as the breeding range extends quite far north. Large aggregations are not necessarily indicative of migratory movement, but may indicate presence of a food source or a roost site.
163, Heron Pond, Johnson Co., 31 Jan 1992 (TF)
SUMMER—Nests are placed in bluffs, hollow trees, abandoned buildings, and on the ground in forests. Breeding begins during April and extends through July, sometimes August. Juvenal Turkey Vultures have blackish heads, which makes them look like Black Vultures. The longer, slimmer body, longer neck, and lack of white bases to the underside of the primaries are important fieldmarks to note. Groups may form after breeding and roost together for several days or weeks before beginning the southward migration.
32, Union Co. CA, 29 Jul 1988 (WDR)
AUTUMN—The arrival of fall migrants is obscured by the presence of the breeding population. Normally, migration continues through early November, but some birds remain as long as the weather is favorable.
60, Johnson Co., 14 Oct 1984 (TF)
140, Crab Orchard NWR, 17 Oct 2016 (JG)
143, Glendale, Pope Co., 25 Oct 1990 (TF)
WINTER—Most of the winter population is in the Shawnee Hills and the Ohio River Floodplains south of Shawneetown. In winters with severe weather, the entire population may move south out of the region for a few weeks.
246, Alexander Co., 28 Dec 2011 (SB, PM)
1, Franklin Co., 22 Jan 1995 (LS)
Documentation: Photograph—near Simpson, Johnson Co., 14 Oct 1984 (SIU AP-27).
Order Accipitriformes
Family Pandionidae
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Late March - Mid-October
Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant. Rare summer resident. Occasional summer visitor.
Habitat: Lakes and rivers.
Records and remarks: This fish-eating raptor has recovered in numbers over the last few decades. They can now be seen regularly during a day’s birding and are breeding again at a few locations in southern Illinois.
SPRING—Most years, first arrival dates occur in early Apr. During the peak of migration (April and early May) individuals can even be encountered foraging at small ponds.
1, Rend Lake, 13 Mar 1986 (K. Pierson)
1, Mermet Lake, 26 Mar 2007 (KM)
1, Williams Hill, Pope Co., 27 May 1989 (SKR)
SUMMER—Many summer sightings are of non-breeding birds. Began nesting at a few locations, particularly in Massac Co., about 1999, after a hiatus of about 10 years. Now breeds annually in small numbers in southern Illinois.
AUTUMN—Southward movements begin during August, but do not peak until late September. Generally, only a few individuals are seen each day, even during the peak of migration. Late fall and winter records should be carefully documented; immature Bald Eagles have sometimes been misidentified as Ospreys.
1, Crab Orchard NWR, 10 Aug 1983 (JCR)
3, Rend Lake, Franklin Co., 23 Sep 1989 (TF)
3, Crab Orchard NWR, 4 Oct 1986 (TF)
2, Baldwin Lake, 11 Nov 1981 (R. Korotev)
1, Mermet Lake CA, 12 Nov 1992 (TF)
Documentation: Specimen—male, Ewing, Franklin Co., 17 Oct 1962 (SIU A-1632).
Family Accipitridae
Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus
Status and abundance: Very rare visitor.
Records and remarks: This graceful kite was apparently formerly quite common in the Floodplains of our region. Nelson (1877) wrote "Numerous in the immediate vicinity of Cairo, where I was informed it had been abundant the week previous to my arrival." Slightly northeast of our region, Ridgway (1873:201) mentioned seeing "hundreds" in Richland County in 1871. By the 1890s the species had completely disappeared from our region. The latest record from the general vicinity of southern Illinois was a May, 1894, record from the Missouri boot heel (Widmann 1895). Then, two were found at a site south of Carbondale 23-25 Aug 2008 (RR, DM, m.ob.) and one was east of Metropolis, 8 Apr 2017 (KM). Another appeared, 17 Aug 2019, near Thebes, Alexander Co. (G. Giacinto & S. Huggins; https://ebird.org/checklist/S59049306).
Documentation: Photograph—1, near Metropolis, Massac Co., 8 Apr 2017 (https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42546111).
Mississippi Kite Ictinia mississippiensis
Early May - Late August
Status and abundance: Locally common summer resident in Mississippi River Floodplain south of Randolph Co. Locally uncommon summer resident in Mississippi River Floodplains of Randolph Co. and in Ohio and Cache River Floodplains of Alexander, Johnson, Pulaski and Massac Counties. Uncommon migrant and summer resident in the Shawnee Hills. Rare visitor in the Till Plain.
Habitat: Forages over grassy fields near mature bottomland forest, usually near water.
Records and remarks: Nelson (1877) described this kite as abundant near Cairo and present also in Mound City. Cahn and Hyde (1929) recorded some in Union County in 1929, but the species seemed to undergo a precipitous decline between 1910 and about 1955 when only very few were encountered. By the early 1970s a sizable population was breeding in Union and Alexander Counties. Hardin et al. (1977) found 13 pairs in Union County, 12 pairs in Alexander County, and 2 pairs in Randolph County; they saw a foraging flock of 36 over one field in Union County during late June. Currently, the population continues to grow. Kites now breed at several sites in the Shawnee Hills, along the Cache River drainage, and at Crab Orchard Lake. Yet, they are still rarely encountered across most of the Till Plain.
SPRING—First spring arrivals are not usually detected until the first week of May, but in some warm springs a few arrive in April. Records from the Till Plain represent overmigrants; there is an additional Till Plain record from Crab Orchard NWR in "early spring" 1949 (LB).
1, Union Co. CA, 20 Apr 1984 (D. Jacques)
1, Union Co. CA, 22 Apr 1988 (WDR)
1, Bellrose Waterfowl Reserve, 23 Apr 2010 (KM, MS)
83, Alexander Co., 24 May 2003 (SB)
150, Alexander Co., 27 May 2005 (SB)
SUMMER—Breeding begins immediately after arrival. Incubation begins during May, and fledglings are present by mid- to late Jul (Hardin et al. 1977). Nests are usually placed high in cottonwood or other tall canopy trees.
AUTUMN—Most of the breeders have departed by the end of August, but a few juveniles linger into September.
4, Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 4 Sep 2003 (FB)
5 juvs., Union Co. CA, 16 Sep 1989 (WDR)
1, Crab Orchard NWR, 30 Sep 2015 (W. Wood)
Documentation: Photograph—5 miles s. of Thebes, Alexander Co., 5 May 1984 (SIU AP-151).
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Status and abundance: Fairly common migrant and winter resident in the western portions of southern Illinois. Uncommon migrant and winter resident in the eastern portions. Locally uncommon summer resident.
Habitat: Large reservoirs and rivers, especially those with large wintering flocks of waterfowl.
Records and remarks: One of our largest raptors, Bald Eagles require four years or more to reach the full adult plumage with white head and tail. Subadults pass through various plumages that are mostly dark brownish with variable whitish mottling on the body and especially on the underwings. Bald Eagles take fish and also eat injured or dead waterfowl and dead livestock. They do not kill livestock.
AUTUMN—Fall migration peaks late in October and November, but some begin arriving by mid-September. Because a substantial winter population is present, latest departure dates are difficult to detect.
WINTER—Most of the wintering population gathers at waterfowl refuges and along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Typical daily high counts are less than 20 birds but concerted efforts turn up more birds, with increasing numbers over the last few years. For example, 101 were along the Mississippi River levee, Jackson Co., 2 Feb 2018 (D. Munson).
SPRING—Northward movements begin during February and most migrants have passed through the region by early April; some stragglers may occur later, but most birds seen after mid-April are probably breeders.
SUMMER—Eagles formerly nested in many parts of the region including Gallatin and Hamilton Counties and along the Mississippi River (Grier et al. 1983), but were extirpated as breeding residents by the late1940s. The last nests before the extirpation were along the Mississippi River near Horseshoe Lake CA in 1943 (Bellrose 1944), and several nests at Crab Orchard NWR and Horseshoe Lake CA from 1946 to 1949 (RB). After many forms of pesticides, including DDT, were banned the population began to recover and eagles were found nesting again during the early 1970s. In 1973, nest-building was observed at Crab Orchard NWR (Staff 1981), and at Union County CA in 1974 (Robinson 1985). The first successful nest fledged two young from near Horseshoe Lake CA in 1978 (Robinson 1985). Eagles were found incubating at Crab Orchard NWR the next year (Staff 1981). Since then the regional breeding population has continued to grow with confirmed breeding at many locations across the region, including nearly all of the large reservoirs and along the major rivers. The recovery of Bald Eagle populations is one of the great success stories of the conservation movement.
Documentation: Photograph—ad., Crab Orchard NWR, Williamson Co., 6 Dec 1981 (SIU AP-150).
Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius
Mid-September - Early May
Status and abundance: Uncommon migrant and winter resident. Rare summer visitor. Very rare summer resident.
Habitat: Extensive grasslands and agricultural areas.
Records and remarks: Harriers are typically encountered as single individuals or in pairs teetering as they fly a few meters above grassy fields where they hunt for rodents and small birds. During winter, dozens to hundreds will roost together in tall grass fields. Watching so many harriers return to roost each night can be quite the spectacle, particularly when Short-eared Owls roost at the same location.
AUTUMN—Although southward migration does not fully begin until September, a few very early migrants or wandering birds have been detected in mid- and late summer. Passage of migrants seems to peak during October. Because of the wintering population, latest fall departure dates are difficult to determine.
1, Crab Orchard NWR, 6 Jul 1983 (JCR)
3, Rend Lake, Franklin Co., 26 Jul 1972 (VK)
WINTER—Highest winter counts are usually made during Christmas Bird Counts when observers count birds for the entire day. Harriers aggregate in fallow fields to roost and hunt.
116 at roost, Pulaski Co., 17 Dec 2006 (SB)
64 at roost, Perks, Pulaski Co., 10 Jan 1993 (TF)
SPRING—The presence of wintering individuals obscures the onset of spring migration, but northward movement begins by late February in most years. Latest spring departures occur during early May, so encounters after then may represent breeding individuals.
SUMMER—Breeding may begin as early as late April in ideal habitat, so observers should make special searches for nests in areas where pairs of harriers are noted during late spring. Observation of the flight display would be a good signal that harriers are considering nesting at a site. Much of the restored strip mine land in the Till Plain, when maintained as grassland, is suitable breeding habitat.
pair, Pope Co., 1 Jun 1986 (TF)
2, n. Randolph Co., 16 Jun 1985 (JCR)
1, Mermet, 30 Jun 2013 (KM, m.ob.)
successful nest in wheat field, near Eldorado, Saline Co., June/July 1990 (TF, m.ob.)
Documentation: Specimen—female, near Gorham, Jackson Co., 5 Jan 1964 (SIU A-1631).
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus
Mid-September - Early May
Status and abundance: Uncommon migrant and winter resident. Very rare summer resident.
Habitat: Woodland and woodland edge.
Records and remarks: This bird-eating hawk can be confused with the larger Cooper's Hawk, but normally has a squared tail, proportionately smaller head and beak, and, in adults, a less extensive dark cap. Identification is not trivial. Accipiters seen briefly should be identified as Cooper’s/Sharp-shinned Hawk.
AUTUMN—Fall migration begins during September and peaks late in that month and during October. Sometimes small flocks can be seen migrating together ahead of an advancing cold front. Latest departures are difficult to determine because of the winter population, but southward movement is essentially over by late November.
8, s.e. Saline Co., 28 Sep 1986 (SO)
WINTER—Typically encountered as singles during winter. May be a "guest" at bird feeders where it ambushes flocks of small passerines.
SPRING—The onset of spring migration is obscured by the winter population, but probably begins during mid-March. Sharp-shinned Hawks do not usually migrate in groups at this season. Some mid-May records could represent breeding birds.
1, Ft. Massac SP, Massac Co., 6 May 1989 (SO, WDR)
1, Gallatin Co., 9 May 1992 (R. Bradley)
1, Pomona, 12 May 1984 (JCR)
SUMMER—A small breeding population is present in the Shawnee National Forest.
ad. carrying food, Atwood Ridge, Union Co., 14 Jun 1991 (WDR)
1, Boskydell, 14 Jun 2005 (SB)
pair, Pine Hills, Union Co., 16 Jun 1989 (SB)
1, Murphysboro, 22 Jun 2001 (RR)
nest, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin Co., spring 1819 (Audubon 1840)
successful nest, Pope Co., summer 1980 (Robinson 1996)
unsuccessful nest, near Raum, Pope Co., Jun 1987 (WDR, TF)
nest, Carterville, Williamson Co., Jun 1988 (J. Keller)
Documentation: Specimen—ad. female, Crab Orchard NWR, Williamson Co., 13 Nov 1953 (SIU A-240).
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii
Status and abundance: Uncommon migrant and winter resident. Locally uncommon summer resident.
Habitat: Woods and woodland edge, towns and farms.
Records and remarks: This medium-sized bird hawk can be separated from the similar Sharp-shinned Hawk by its generally larger size, rounded tail, darker cap (in adult plumage), and the relatively larger head, which makes the eye appear rather small. They hunt for small birds by ambush and aerial pursuit. Their breeding population has increased during the last few decades and some have moved into towns to nest.
AUTUMN—Fall migrants sometimes travel in small groups ahead of cold fronts, but not in numbers like Sharp-shinned Hawks. They are most often detected as single birds flying across open fields away from an observer. The winter population makes determination of latest departures difficult.
WINTER—Typically, at most 1 or 2 are seen per day. Cooper's Hawks will sometimes attack birds at feeders.
SPRING—Initiation of northward migration is difficult to detect because of the presence of winter populations in the region. Northward movements probably begin by mid-March, however, and are essentially over by mid-April. Birds encountered in late spring are probably breeding in the region.
SUMMER—Cooper's Hawks lay eggs in April. Young fledge during June and July. Some non-breeding immatures are detected each summer throughout the region. Ehrlich (1990) estimated 30-60 breeding pairs in southern Illinois. Since then, Cooper’s Hawk numbers have increased to the point that some pairs even nest in towns. No new estimates of the regional breeding population have been produced.
Documentation: Specimen—ad. male, near Cave-in-Rock, Hardin Co., 27 June 1954 (ISM 603664).
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
Mid-November - Early April
Status and abundance: Rare migrant and winter resident.
Habitat: Woodland and woodland edge.
Records and remarks: Occurs irregularly, and easily confused (especially immatures) with other species if not seen well. Observers are encouraged to archive photos in eBird. Most numerous during invasion years when a majority of records have involved adults.
AUTUMN—Most goshawks are not detected until December, but during invasion years they may arrive earlier. Migration patterns are not well known, so latest fall departure dates are unclear. It is possible that migration is continuing even throughout December.
ad., Carbondale, 14 Nov 1982 (TF)
ad., n. of Sparta, Randolph Co., 1 Dec 1972 (VK)
ad., Carbondale, 4 Dec 1982 (TF)
WINTER—ad., Ozark, Johnson Co., 13 Dec 1985 (TF)
imm., Crab Orchard NWR, 19 Dec 1989 (BD)
3 ad., Horseshoe Lake CBC, 21 Dec 1982
1 imm., Jackson Co., 1 Jan 2006 (VL, KMc, S. Juhlin)
SPRING—ad., Union Co. CA, 7 Feb 1986 (WDR)
ad., Crab Orchard NWR, 12 Feb 1983 (JCR)
ad., Giant City SP, 21 Feb 1983 (JCR)
1, Union Co. CA, 4 Mar 1995 (BD)
ad., Pine Hills, 12 Apr 1987 (TF, SO, BD)
Documentation: Written description—3, Horseshoe Lake, Alexander Co., 21 Dec 1982.
Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus
Status and abundance: Fairly common year-round resident.
Habitat: Forest and forest edges, often near water.
Records and remarks: Red-shouldered Hawks are widespread throughout the region. Numbers have increased during the last two decades after a period of decline. It is now possible, especially during spring when birds can be quite vocal, to obtain daily high counts of more than a dozen birds. Although present all year, there is substantial movement involving migrants.
SPRING—Migration begins during February, but is difficult to discern because of the winter population. Likewise, the breeding population obscures the departure of migrants. Migrating birds can sometimes be seen with groups of migrating Red-tailed Hawks.
SUMMER—Breeding begins very early with some pairs nest-building by early March. Egg-laying regularly occurs during April and young are present by May. Red-shouldered Hawks normally require large unfragmented tracts of bottomland forest in which to nest, but they will occasionally breed in smaller tracts like those along river courses in the Till Plain.
AUTUMN—Fall migration is not well-defined. Wandering or migrating birds can occur from August through November. Small groups are sometimes seen circling high overhead with other Buteo species.
WINTER—The largest winter concentrations occur in bottomland forests of the Floodplains.
24, Massac Co., 31 Dec 2006 (RR, TH)
17, Oakwood Bottoms, 1 Jan 2004 (VL, m.ob.)
Documentation: Photograph—imm., Horseshoe Lake CA, Alexander Co., 14 Feb 1981 (SIU AP-147).
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus
Early April - Late October
Status and abundance: Uncommon migrant and summer resident.
Habitat: Deciduous woods.
Records and remarks: Requires large forest tracts for breeding. Occurs in nearly any wooded habitat during migration. There is one record of a dark morph from Ozark, Johnson Co., 17 Sep 1989 (TF). Reports of this species from winter must be substantiated with complete details, preferably including photographs. The species migrates to Central and South America for the winter, so past reports may have been misidentifications of Red-shouldered Hawks.
SPRING—Most are detected by their shrill, distinctive whistle. Migrants may be present through early May, but the substantial breeding population obscures departure dates.
female found dead, Crab Orchard NWR, 14 Mar 1972 (SIU)
1, Heron Pond, Johnson Co., 27 Mar 1976 (BP)
1, Giant City SP, 2 Apr 1989 (WDR)
SUMMER—Breeding begins soon after arrival. Nests are placed 40 to 70 feet up in deciduous trees, usually oaks. Regularly nests at Giant City SP, Trail of Tears SF, and similar sites in the Shawnee Hills.
AUTUMN—May form large flocks during migration, especially ahead of advancing cold fronts. Peak numbers pass through the region between 20 September and 7 October. Very few are seen after 25 October.
2,000, Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 23 Sep 1987 (TF)
300, Carbondale, 5 Oct 1986 (TF)
1, Perks, 16 Oct 2014 (JG)
1, Crab Orchard NWR, 2 Nov 1986 (WDR)
Documentation: Specimen—female, Crab Orchard NWR, Williamson Co., 14 Mar 1972 (SIU uncatalogued).
Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni
Status and abundance: Very rare visitor.
Habitat: Perches in isolated trees, on telephone poles, or along woodland edge near open areas such as agricultural fields.
Records and remarks: Only three records, all from autumn, of this typically western raptor.
AUTUMN—imm., Willard, Alexander Co., 16 Aug 1986 (WDR)
ad., Crab Orchard NWR, 13 Oct 1982 (JCR)
1, Carbondale, 30 Nov 1980 (J. Janacek; AB 35:189)
Documentation: Provisional Acceptance.
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
Status and abundance: Common migrant and winter resident. Fairly common summer resident.
Habitat: Perches in isolated trees, on telephone poles, or along woodland edge near open or semi-open areas. Nests in woodlots and forests. Soars frequently, passing over nearly every habitat.
Records and remarks: Red-tailed Hawks are the common large hawk of southern Illinois. When in doubt, your hawk is probably a Red-tailed Hawk. Yet, identification is not without its challenges. Red-tailed Hawks are highly variable in plumage, which makes identification of the various subspecies that occur in southern Illinois rather difficult at times. At least four subspecies occur here. Most birds belong to B. j. borealis. Other subspecies include "Krider's" (B. j. krideri), "Harlan's" (B. j. harlani), and B. j. calurus, a western subspecies. When reporting any of the latter three subspecies, observers are encouraged to archive photos in eBird.
SPRING—Sometimes Red-tailed Hawks migrate in groups, riding thermals high up into the air before traveling northward. Although both winter and summer populations make the beginning and end of spring migration difficult to discern, when migration peaks during March it sometimes seems as though every other telephone pole has a Red-tailed Hawk perched on it.
SUMMER—Pairs begin breeding as early as late February. Incubating birds can sometimes be seen sitting on their bulky nests well before the trees have begun to leaf out. Fledglings are present from May through July.
AUTUMN—Migration begins during September and peaks in October. The end of the southward migration is obscured by a large winter population, but may extend into December. Typical daily high counts in excellent habitat and with a full day of searching can produce 50 to 75 birds.
WINTER—The winter distribution seems to be determined by food supply. Red-tailed Hawks can be remarkably numerous around good habitat where rodent and rabbit populations are high with daily high counts similar to those during fall.
Documentation: Specimen—imm., 4 miles n.w. of Alto Pass, Union Co., 14 Mar 1955 (SIU A-111).
Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus
Early November - Early April
Status and abundance: Uncommon migrant and winter resident.
Habitat: Woodland edge and open fields.
Records and remarks: Often perches at tips of trees along hedgerows bordering grassy fields or agricultural areas. Commonly hovers while hunting. Numbers vary strongly from year to year and seem to be declining over time, perhaps because fewer birds make it all the way south to our region during winter. At least a few occur during winter in the Till Plain. Both the dark and light phases have been observed, but there are no data available on the ratios of the two in our region.
AUTUMN—Fall migrants arrive in late autumn, and are usually encountered as single individuals. Some migrants may still be arriving during December.
1, s. Perry Co., 28 Oct 1983 (TF)
WINTER—Highest numbers tend to occur in December and January.
10, Pope Co., 8 Dec 1989 (TF)
5, Pope Co., 3 Feb 1984 (TF)
SPRING—Because southern Illinois lies at the southern edge of the winter range, spring migration is not very noticeable. It basically involves the departure of the winter population. Northward movement begins soon after the first warm spell in February.
4, nw. Gallatin Co., 27 Feb 1971 (VK, D. Hayward)
11, Jackson Co., 13 Mar 1949 (RB)
1, Massac Co., 27 Mar 2002 (FB)
1, Union Co. CA, 14 Apr 1988 (WDR)
1, Red Bud, Randolph Co., 16 Apr 1983 (RG)
Documentation: Photograph—Dixon Springs Agricultural Station, Pope Co., 15 Jan 1989 (SIU AP-277).
[Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis]
Status and abundance: Hypothetical.
Records and remarks: One was reported from Olive Branch, Alexander Co., 2 Jan 1981. However, Bohlen (1986) indicated the possibility that this sighting may have been a Krider's Red-tailed Hawk. A specimen, diagnostic photograph, or detailed written description is needed to confirm the species for our area. See Bohlen (1986) and any of the numerous current books on raptors for important fieldmarks to note.
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
Late October – Early April
Status and abundance: Locally uncommon migrant and winter resident in the west. Rare migrant and winter resident in the east.
Habitat: Frequents open and semi-open areas, particularly near concentrations of waterfowl.
Records and remarks: Golden Eagles are found annually in very small numbers at the waterfowl refuges of southern Illinois. Immature Bald Eagles can be misidentified as Golden Eagles. Observers should use caution and archive photos in eBird.
AUTUMN—Most birds do not arrive until November. Migration probably extends well into December.
imm., Crab Orchard NWR, 21 Sep 1982 (JCR)
imm., Rend Lake, Jefferson Co., 30 Oct 1987 (TF)
WINTER—Golden Eagles are found nearly every winter at Union County and Horseshoe Lake. They are extremely mobile and can easily cover many miles in a few hours.
1, Rend Lake, Franklin Co., 15 Dec 2013 (DK)
3, Union Co. CA, 8 Jan 1994 (TF)
3, Union Co. CA, 1 Jan 1997 (BD)
ad., Hardin Co., 25 Jan 1988 (TF)
ad., Rend Lake, Franklin Co., 3 Feb 1991 (BD)
SPRING—Migration seems to begin during February following the first warm spell and the northward departure of the Canada Geese flocks.
ad., Pulaski Co., 15 Feb 1991 (TF)
2 imm., near Stoneface, Saline Co., 19 Mar 1989 (TF, JD)
2 imm., Oakwood Bottoms, Jackson Co., 25 Mar 1972 (D. Hayward)
imm., Union Co. CA, 19 Apr 1975 (BP)
1, LaRue Pine Hills, 24 Apr 1997 (DK)
imm. found freshly dead, South Ripple Hollow, Alexander Co., 16 May 1989 (R. Jack)
Documentation: Photograph—Crab Orchard NWR, Williamson Co., 23 Dec 1986 (SIU AP-270).