Savanna Hawk

The Savanna Hawk, Buteogallus meridionalis, is a large raptor with a striking presence. Adults typically measure between 46 to 61 centimeters in length and weigh around 845 grams. They exhibit a rufous plumage with grey mottling on the upper parts and fine black barring below. Their long, broad wings are adorned with black flight feathers, while their tail features a distinctive black and white banding. One cannot miss the yellow legs of this bird, which stand out as it perches in its habitat.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Savanna Hawk, look for its very vertical perching stance and notably long legs. The adult's rufous body, grey mottled upper parts, and black-barred lower parts are key characteristics. The black and white banded tail and yellow legs are also distinctive. Immature birds share a similar appearance with adults but have darker, duller upper parts, paler underparts with coarser barring, and a whitish supercilium.

Habitat

This raptor is commonly found in open savannas and swamp edges, where it can be seen perching or hunting.

Distribution

The Savanna Hawk breeds from Panama and Trinidad southwards to Bolivia, Uruguay, and central Argentina. There have been occasional reports of sightings in California, specifically in Alameda County in 1973 and San Diego County in 1974.

Behaviour

The Savanna Hawk is known for its hunting prowess, often sitting on an open high perch before swooping down on its prey. It is also known to hunt on foot, and interestingly, several birds may congregate at grass fires to capture fleeing prey.

Food and Feeding

Its diet is quite varied, including small mammals, birds, lizards, snakes, toads, frogs, eels, other fish, crabs, roots, spiders, and large insects such as grasshoppers. This bird of prey utilizes both aerial attacks from perches and ground hunting techniques to capture its diverse prey.

Breeding

The breeding process involves constructing a nest of sticks lined with grass, typically situated in a palm tree. The Savanna Hawk lays a single white egg, and the young are known to take approximately 6.5 to 7.5 weeks to fledge.

Conservation status

The Savanna Hawk is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or habitat loss at a global scale.