White-necked Hawk
NameWhite-necked Hawk
Common NameWhite-necked Hawk
Scientific NameButeogallus lacernulatus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)110
Length (cm)48.5
Weight (g)775
Plumage DetailsAdults have a pure white head, neck, and underparts. The back and wings are dark slate-grey to blackish, contrasting sharply with the white. The tail is white with a broad black subterminal band, and the cere and legs are yellow.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is typically a high-pitched, whistled 'wheee-oo' or 'kwee-oo', often repeated.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, ranging from Bahia south to Santa Catarina.
Identifying Featuresstriking black and white plumage, white head and underparts, dark slate-grey back and wings, white tail with broad black subterminal band, yellow cere and legs
Description
This medium-sized raptor is characterized by its striking black and white plumage. It typically inhabits the canopy of humid Atlantic Forest, often perching quietly and hunting from an elevated position. Its diet consists mainly of small vertebrates and large insects.
