Grey-lined Hawk

Overview

The Grey-lined Hawk (Buteo nitidus) is a smallish raptor that inhabits open country and forest edges. It is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Adults display a pale grey body with fine white barring on the upper parts.
• The tail is black featuring three distinct white bands.
• Legs are orange, and the bird is notably short-winged with a fast, agile flight for a Buteo.
• Immatures have dark brown upperparts, a pale-banded brown tail, brown-spotted white underparts, and a brown-streaked buff head and neck.

Habitat

This species is found in open country and forest edges. Its range extends from El Salvador to Argentina, including the Caribbean island of Trinidad.

Diet

The hawk feeds mainly on lizards and snakes but also consumes insects, small mammals, birds, amphibians, and fish. It usually forages by sitting on an open high perch from which it swoops on prey, though it will also hunt from a low glide.