White Hawk

The White Hawk, known scientifically as Pseudastur albicollis, is a captivating bird of prey that resides in the tropical realms of the New World. This raptor is part of the Accipitridae family and is often associated with the Buteoninae subfamily, although the validity of this classification is currently under scrutiny.

Identification Tips

Adult White Hawks are distinguished by their striking plumage, spanning 46–56 cm (18–22 in) in length. They possess very broad wings and exhibit a pristine white head, body, and underwings. Contrasting their white plumage, the upper wings are a stark black, and the very short tail is black with a prominent white band. The bill is a deep black, while the legs are a bright yellow. Males and females are similar in appearance, though females are notably larger and heavier, with females weighing around 840 g (1.85 lb) and males approximately 650 g (1.43 lb). The immature birds are characterized by extensive black spotting on their upperparts and dark-streaked whitish underparts.

Habitat

The White Hawk is a denizen of lowland forests and various other woodland habitats.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, extending from southern Mexico through Central and South America to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. It also makes its home on the island of Trinidad. Within central South America, its territory encompasses the entire Amazon basin, bordered by the Andes to the west, the Guianas to the northeast, and the transitional lands to the south.

Behaviour

The White Hawk is known for its soaring flight and has an impressive aerial courtship display. It is often seen associating with foraging groups of tufted capuchin monkeys and South American coatis, capitalizing on the prey these animals disturb. The White Hawk constructs a large stick platform nest in a tree and typically lays a single dark-blotched blue-white egg.

Song & Calls

The vocalization of the White Hawk is a plaintive "kerwee."

Breeding

Breeding behavior includes the construction of a stick platform nest in a tree. Observations of attended nests suggest that breeding may occur around mid-August.

Similar Species

The White Hawk has four subspecies that vary slightly in appearance, mainly in the extent of black markings on their wings and tail, as well as eye color, which ranges from yellow to brown.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the White Hawk primarily consists of reptiles, including lizards and snakes, with a preference for the eastern coral snake. It also consumes insects, crabs, amphibians, and small mammals such as rats, squirrels, small opossums, and bats. Occasionally, it may prey on birds and fish.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has classified the White Hawk as Least Concern, largely due to its extensive range. Despite not being commonly found, it is not considered globally threatened at this time.