Ridgway's Hawk
NameRidgway's Hawk
Common NameRidgway's Hawk
Scientific NameButeo ridgwayi
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)79
Length (cm)38
Weight (g)450
Plumage DetailsAdults have slate-grey upperparts and head, with a white throat and heavily barred grey and white underparts. The thighs are rufous, and the tail is dark with several narrow white bands. The cere and legs are bright yellow.
Vocalization / CallIts call is typically a series of high-pitched, whistled 'klee-klee-klee' notes, often given in flight or from a perch.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti), with the main population now restricted to Los Haitises National Park in the Dominican Republic.
Identifying FeaturesSlate-grey plumage, Rufous thighs, Barred underparts, Yellow cere and legs, Dark tail with white bands
Description
The Ridgway's Hawk is a medium-sized raptor endemic to Hispaniola, characterized by its slate-grey plumage and distinctive rufous barring on its underparts. It is an agile hunter, often seen perching conspicuously on trees or poles, scanning for prey in its forest habitat.
