Roadside Hawk
Least ConcernRupornis magnirostris
Visual Identification
Roadside Hawk
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
Lifespan
The Roadside Hawk typically lives for 10 to 15 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
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
Other names:
Roadside Buzzard
Family:
AccipitridaePredators
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.
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References
- 1 3 4
other: Estimated lifespan based on similar species
- 2
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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