Slate-colored Hawk

Overview

The slate-colored hawk (Buteogallus schistaceus) is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Medium-sized to large bird, typically about 40 cm (16 in) long
• Medium slate-grey plumage with contrasting bright white horizontal banding on the tail
• Medium-white breast featuring vertical black markings
• Large orange cere at the base of the beak and large yellow eyes

Habitat

Found in the Amazon rainforest across Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and French Guiana. It primarily inhabits várzea, with a strong preference for areas near water such as rivers, swamps, and mangroves.

Diet

Hunts for frogs, snakes, small mammals, crabs, and other small animals. Foraging behaviour typically occurs at water edges.