Leucopternis kuhli
The White-browed Hawk (*Leucopternis kuhli*) is a striking raptor of the Amazonian lowlands, a jewel among its larger Accipitrid relatives. Measuring approximately 33-38 cm (13-15 inches) in length with a wingspan of 60-70 cm, this petite hawk is easily identified by its contrasting plumage: a glossy black upperparts sharply delineated from pure white underparts. Its most distinctive field mark, giving it its common name, is a prominent white supercilium or 'brow' that stands out against its ...
This species primarily inhabits lowland humid evergreen rainforests, often preferring primary or mature terra firme forests. It is typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to about 500-600 meters.
Its diet mainly consists of small reptiles like lizards and snakes, amphibians such as frogs, and large insects including orthopterans. It forages by pouncing from a perch onto prey located on the forest floor or in lower vegetation.
The White-browed Hawk is a largely solitary and secretive raptor, often observed perched quietly and cryptically within the forest understory or mid-canopy. Its foraging strategy involves patient observation from a concealed perch, followed by a swift, agile swoop to capture prey from the ground ...
The White-browed Hawk is endemic to the Amazon Basin of South America, primarily distributed south of the Amazon River. Its core breeding range encompasses vast areas of Brazil, specifically in the states of Amazonas, Pará, Rondônia, and Acre. It also extends westward into southeastern Peru, foun...
Least Concern
- Despite its common name, the 'white brow' is its most defining feature, making it stand out even among its 'white hawk' relatives. - It is one of the smallest species within the genus *Leucopternis*, making it particularly agile in dense forest undergrowth. - Its relatively stable 'Least Concer...