Roadside Hawk
Rupornis magnirostris
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Roadside Hawk is a compact raptor with a brown back, grey head, and barred chest. Its short, rounded wings show a distinctive rufous patch in flight, and its relatively long tail helps it manoeuvre through forest edges and open woodlands.
Adults have bright yellow legs and a yellow cere, while juveniles display a more streaked appearance with buffy underparts. There is little variation between sexes, but individuals may show slight regional colour differences. Females are also up to 17% larger than males.
Size
Length
33cm to 41cm
Wingspan
68cm to 79cm
Weight
250g to 300g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Rufous
Beak Colour
Yellow Black
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Roadside Hawks inhabit a wide range of habitats from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, including parts of the Caribbean. They thrive in open woodlands, forest edges, savannahs, and agricultural areas.
These adaptable raptors are also found in urban and suburban environments, particularly where green spaces are present. Their distribution remains relatively stable throughout the year, as they are non-migratory.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Roadside Hawk. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Roadside Hawk demonstrates impressive agility with its short, rounded wings and relatively long tail, enabling precise manoeuvring through forest edges and quick diving attacks from perches. Their ability to navigate both wooded areas and open spaces whilst hunting showcases their excellent aerial capabilities.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not amongst the largest raptors, these hawks possess sufficient strength to capture and handle prey such as rodents, snakes, and small birds. Their relatively large beak for their size indicates decent predatory power, though they typically tackle smaller prey items.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Exceptionally adaptable birds, thriving across diverse habitats from sea level to 3,000 metres, including urban areas. Their success in human-modified landscapes and opportunistic hunting strategy demonstrates remarkable adaptability. Their stable population across varied environments further supports this rating.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Shows moderate aggression in hunting and territorial behaviour, with documented defensive displays and vocal warnings when threatened. Their willingness to hunt in pairs and tackle various prey types suggests notable aggression, though they're not known for excessive antagonistic behaviour.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
These hawks maintain active hunting territories and can persist in varied climatic conditions. Their non-migratory nature and ability to thrive in different elevations indicates good endurance. Their hunting strategy of perch-and-wait conserves energy whilst maintaining territorial presence throughout the day.
Diet
Roadside Hawks are opportunistic predators that feed on a variety of small animals. Their diet includes rodents, lizards, snakes, large insects, and occasionally small birds.
They often hunt from perches, diving down to capture prey on the ground.
Behaviour
Roadside Hawks are often seen perched on exposed branches or poles along roadsides, hence their name. They hunt using a sit-and-wait strategy, swooping down on prey from their vantage points.
These hawks are generally solitary but may form monogamous pairs during breeding season.
Vocalisation
The Roadside Hawk's call is a distinctive, high-pitched whistle, often described as a repeated "peeeeeer" or "keeeeee." This vocalisation is frequently heard during territorial displays or when the bird is alarmed.
They may also produce a rapid series of sharp notes when agitated.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Roadside Hawks varies by region but typically occurs during the dry season. Pairs engage in aerial displays and vocalisations as part of courtship rituals.
Nests are constructed of sticks and lined with green leaves, usually placed in the fork of a tree 5-15 meters above ground. The female lays 1-3 white eggs with brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 33 days, primarily by the female. Chicks fledge after 5-6 weeks but may remain dependent on parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Roadside Hawk is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population. However, habitat loss in some areas may affect local populations.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving diverse habitats across its range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them perched on utility poles or fence posts along rural roads
- Listen for their distinctive high-pitched whistle, often given in a series
- Observe their hunting behaviour in open areas adjacent to forests
- Note their smaller size compared to other hawks in their range
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Adult Roadside Hawks have few natural predators, but eggs and nestlings may fall victim to larger raptors, snakes, and arboreal mammals.
Did You Know?
- Roadside Hawks have adapted well to human-altered landscapes, often benefiting from cleared areas for hunting.
- Their scientific name, Rupornis magnirostris, refers to their relatively large beak compared to their body size.
- These hawks sometimes hunt in pairs, with one bird flushing prey towards the other.
References
- 2 3 4
other: Estimated lifespan based on similar species
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Rupornis magnirostris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22695880A168800737. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T22695880A168800737.en.
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