From Opus

Chondrohierax uncinatus

Photo by erikat

[edit] Identification

Light and dark morphs and confusing intermediates. One constant is transluscent, barred primaries.

Cuban birds have sexual dimorphism, male with gray upperside and barred underside, female similar in brownish colors. Juveniles black above, white below, with white extending to hindneck. Larger bill by far than other forms.

[edit] Distribution

From south Texas and Cuba south through Central and South America to northern Argentina.

[edit] Taxonomy

Four subspecies recognised: aquilonis in Mexico (more often treated as a part of the nominate subspecies), nominate race from southern Mexico to South America, mirus on Grenada (very rare)and wilsonii in Cuba (on the verge of extinction). The Cuban race is often considered a full species.

[edit] Habitat

Tropical rainforest and cloud forest, secondary-growth and riverine woodlands, swamps and savannas.

[edit] Behaviour

Perches high in trees and can be difficult to see.

The Cuban form is a specialized hunter eating snails which it finds in forest understory. Not a shy bird.

[edit] External Links