Gray Hawk
A migratory raptor of Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean
Gray Hawk
(Buteo plagiatus)
Gavilán gris norteño, Aguililla gris, Gavilán saraviado.
Identification: Small, compact and stocky, with relatively short and rounded wings. Adults are grey with fine white barred chest and belly. Juveniles are brown above, with whitish under parts with narrow brown streaks, white cheeks, and broad, white eye-line.
Migratory behavior: Soars extensively and is frequently found flying solitary or in small groups with other raptors. Displays strong, fast, and direct flapping when not soaring.
Remarks: Uncommon but regular migrant from southern U.S., northern Mexico and northern Central America. Common resident in lowlands habitats from northern Mexico (both coasts) to southern Costa Rica, from where it is replaced by a similar species, the Gray-lined Hawk (Buteo nitidus), which occurs south to northern Argentina.