What is the primary characteristic of broadwinged hawks?

The primary characteristic of broadwinged hawks is their large, broad wings coupled with short, stubby tails, which are well-suited for their hunting and flying style. This wing and tail configuration enables them to have excellent maneuverability while gliding and soaring, making them adept at navigating through forested areas where they hunt for small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Their physical adaptation allows them to conserve energy during flight, particularly during migration, as they can take advantage of thermal updrafts.

The emphasis on "large core wings" reflects their ability to cover significant distances while also being agile enough to change direction quickly when pursuing prey. This adaptation is a defining feature that distinguishes broadwinged hawks from other hawk species, which may have different wing and tail proportions suited to their environments and hunting styles.