Grey-backed Hawk

Overview

The grey-backed hawk (Pseudastur occidentalis) is a Vulnerable bird of prey belonging to the subfamily Accipitrinae. It is a monotypic species found exclusively in western Ecuador and far northern Peru.

Identification

• Size: 45 to 52 cm in length with a 104 to 116 cm wingspan; females are approximately 10% larger than males.
• Plumage: Adults feature a grey and white streaked head, nape, and mantle, with blackish grey upperparts and a mostly white tail bearing a wide black band near the end.
• Features: Dark brown eyes, grey cere, and pale yellow legs and feet.
• Vocalisation: During display flights, produces a "drawn-out screeching keeeaaarr-keeeaaarr" that rises in the central portion, or alternatively a high-pitched "kéééoooowww".

Habitat

Found locally in western Ecuador between southern Esmeraldas and Loja provinces and slightly into Peru's Department of Tumbes. It inhabits subtropical and tropical semi-deciduous and evergreen forest, cloudforest, and secondary forest, preferring moist areas and steep ravines. Elevation ranges mostly between 100 and 1,400 m, though it has been recorded as high as 2,900 m.

Diet

The species' hunting method and diet are not well defined, though it is recorded hunting over streams and croplands. Its diet includes reptiles, amphibians, crabs, rodents, birds, and large insects. Up to four individuals may hunt together.

Did you know?

The grey-backed hawk is sedentary, yet up to four individuals have been observed hunting together.