Tiny Hawk

The tiny hawk, a diminutive diurnal bird of prey, is one of the smallest members of the true raptors. Males, roughly the size of a starling, measure a mere 20 cm in length, while females are slightly larger at 26.5 cm. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, females can be up to 60% heavier than their male counterparts. The adult male sports a dark slaty gray plumage above, with a mottled gray face and a paler gray supercilium. Its underparts are white with fine gray barring, and it possesses a longish tail with paler gray bands. The female mirrors the male in pattern but is browner above with buffier underparts. Both sexes have yellow cere and legs, a relatively heavy gray bill, and red or red-brown irises, though immatures may have yellowish eyes.

Identification Tips

The tiny hawk can be identified by its short, squared or notched tail, medium-length wings with pointed tips, and long legs and toes. Immature birds present in two color morphs: brown and rufous, with the former being dark sooty-brown above and the latter more chestnut with rufous barring below.

Habitat

This species is found in humid and wet lowland forests, including secondary growth, and forested foothills up to 1800 meters, though most commonly below 1000 meters.

Distribution

The tiny hawk's range extends from eastern Nicaragua to western Ecuador, northern Bolivia, northern Argentina, Paraguay, and southern Brazil.

Behaviour

A secretive bird, the tiny hawk often perches in the undergrowth to the canopy, preferring the middle story. It exhibits rapid flight, with quick flaps followed by brief wing closures. On sunny mornings, it may bask on high open branches, sometimes in pairs.

Song & Calls

The call is a high-pitched, somewhat quavery series of 20–30 notes, settling into a steady rhythm after initial accelerating notes, described as caucau-ca-ca-ca, keer-keer-keer, or kree-ree-ree-ree.

Breeding

Breeding seasons vary by location, with nests built in tall trees' canopies and one to three bluish-white eggs laid, faintly streaked and spotted with brown. Incubation and fledging periods remain unknown.

Similar Species

The tiny hawk may be confused with other Accipiter species, but its small size and specific tail and wing characteristics help distinguish it.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily a bird-eater, the tiny hawk preys on hummingbirds and small passerines, often ambushing them from concealment. It may also hunt rodents and bats.

Conservation status

The tiny hawk is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population.