Roadside Hawk
NameRoadside Hawk
Common NameRoadside Hawk
Scientific NameRupornis magnirostris
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)80
Length (cm)36
Weight (g)250
Plumage DetailsAdults have brownish-gray upperparts, a gray head, and finely barred rufous and white underparts. The tail is dark with a few pale bands, and the cere and legs are bright yellow.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, high-pitched, somewhat plaintive 'keer-keer-keer' or 'kree-kree-kree' often repeated, especially when soaring or agitated.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread throughout Central and South America, from Mexico south through Central America to northern Argentina and Uruguay.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size for a hawk, Gray head and brownish upperparts, Finely barred rufous and white underparts, Bright yellow cere and legs, Often perches conspicuously along roadsides, Short, broad wings and relatively short tail
Description
A small, common hawk of the Neotropics, often seen perched conspicuously on poles or branches along roadsides. It has a relatively short tail and broad wings, making it easily identifiable in its range.
