White-browed Hawk

Overview

The white-browed hawk (Leucopternis kuhli) is a species of bird of prey in the subfamily Accipitrinae, commonly known as the true hawks. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a large range across the Amazon basin, though its population is believed to be decreasing.

Identification

• Length of 37 to 40 cm with a wingspan of 65 to 76 cm, with females larger than males.
• Dark head with a narrow white stripe above the eye; upperparts are black with white streaks on the nape and mantle.
• Tail is black with a wide white band at the midpoint, and underparts are entirely white.
• Brown or reddish-brown eyes with orange cere, legs, and feet.
• Call is a high-pitched, thin, downslurred whistle described as 'keeeeuw', given at intervals.

Habitat

Found in eastern Peru (Loreto and Madre de Dios departments), northern and northeastern Bolivia, and in Brazil extending to the Atlantic coast in Pará state. It inhabits tropical rainforest between sea level and 500 m elevation and appears to be sedentary.

Diet

Hunts near the forest floor and is thought to feed on frogs and large insects. Although its diet has not been formally studied, it has been observed taking snakes and lizards.

Did you know?

Breeding biology is almost unknown, with only one documented nest found in western Brazil in December, consisting of a small platform of sticks, twigs, and leaves placed in the subcanopy approximately 15 m above the ground.