Buteo ridgwayi
The Ridgway's Hawk (*Buteo ridgwayi*) is a medium-sized raptor, strikingly characterized by its dark grey upperparts, distinctive white underparts heavily barred with rufous on the flanks and thighs, and a dark tail marked with two or three prominent white bands. Adults average 36-41 cm in length with a wingspan of 69-81 cm, possessing bright yellow ceres and legs, making them visually distinct among Caribbean raptors. Juveniles present a browner dorsal plumage and streaked white underparts, ...
Primarily inhabits dry deciduous and moist broadleaf forests at low to mid-elevations, but can also be found in pine forests and disturbed agricultural areas adjacent to dense woodlands.
Primarily preys on reptiles, especially snakes and lizards, but also consumes amphibians, small birds, and large insects like centipedes and crickets. Forages through perch hunting and low-level aerial pursuits.
This diurnal raptor frequently perches silently at mid-canopy heights, patiently scanning for prey, but also soars on thermals to survey its territory. Foraging typically involves a 'sit-and-wait' strategy, darting from a perch to snatch prey, or making low-level flights through the understory. R...
The Ridgway's Hawk is strictly endemic to the island of Hispaniola, shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Historically, its range spanned across the entire island, inhabiting diverse forest types from lowlands to elevations of approximately 2,000 meters. However, due to extensive deforestat...
Critically Endangered
- The Ridgway's Hawk is one of the most Critically Endangered raptors globally, with its entire wild population confined to the island of Hispaniola. - It is named after Robert Ridgway, a prominent American ornithologist who worked at the Smithsonian Institution. - Over 80% of the remaining wild ...