Short-tailed Hawk

Short-tailed Hawk

(Buteo brachyurus)

Gavilán colicorto, Aguililla cola corta.

Identification: Small and compact Buteo with relatively long wings and short tail. Light adults are brown with white under parts (including the throat), and barred tail. Light juveniles are similar to adults, but with narrow brown stripes and finer tail bands. Dark adult individuals are overall dark brown with barred tail. Dark juveniles are similar to dark adults, but with mottled underwing feathers and chest.

Migratory behavior: Rare during migration (migrates primarily in Mexico and northern Central America). Soars extensively and is frequently found flying solitary.

Remarks: Stays suspended high on the air (kiting) in search of birds or small mammals. Dives upon prey with a fast stoop. Commonly found in lowlands and mid elevations in open and semi open habitats from northern Mexico to northern Argentina.