Plumbeous Hawk

Overview

The plumbeous hawk (Cryptoleucopteryx plumbea) is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, belonging to the monotypic genus Cryptoleucopteryx. Classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List, it was originally described in 1872.

Identification

• Ranges 33 to 37 cm in length
• Wingspan of 71 to 79 cm

Habitat

Found in Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and northwestern Peru, the species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and can also be seen on silvopastures. Its population is threatened by habitat loss resulting from agriculture, logging, and mining.

Did you know?

The plumbeous hawk was originally described under the protonym Leucopternis plumbea, but because the genus Leucopternis is masculine in gender, the scientific name had to be revised to Leucopternis plumbeus to comply with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.