Buteo swainsoni, commonly known as Swainson's Hawk, is native to North and South America. Its breeding range includes much of the western and central United States, extending into Canada as far north as southern Alaska and southwestern British Columbia. During the non-breeding season or winter, it migrates to South America, with a significant concentration in Argentina.

Swainson's Hawk typically inhabits open and semi-open areas, such as grasslands, prairies, shrublands, and agricultural fields. These regions usually have a dry or semi-arid climate, characterized by relatively low precipitation and moderate temperatures during the breeding season.

Swainson's Hawk is a diurnal raptor that primarily feeds on small mammals and large insects such as grasshoppers and crickets. It plays a crucial ecological role in controlling these animal populations. The species is adapted to a migratory lifestyle, undertaking one of the longest migrations of any North American raptor, covering distances of up to 14,000 miles round trip between its breeding and wintering grounds.