- Accipiter bicolor
Identification
Adult birds have dark uppersides, plain gray undersides without any dark markings, and rufous thighs which can easily be hidden under gray belly feathers1, 2.
Juveniles are more variable showing undersides between white and rufous and less contrasting thighs, but always expected to have a neck collar similar in color to the underparts3.
Similar Species
A thread discussing differences between juveniles of this species and the Collared Forest Falcon is found here.
Also frequently confused with various other Forest-Falcons and the Gray-bellied Goshawk.
Distribution
Mexico to Argentina and east to the Guianas and Brazil.
Taxonomy
Subspecies[4]
Bicolored Hawk (Bicolored)
- A. b. fidens:
- Lowlands of southern Mexico (Oaxaca, Veracruz and Yucatán Peninsula)
- A. b. bicolor:
Bicolored Hawk (Spotted)
- A. b. pileatus:
- A. b. guttifer:
The Chilean Hawk which was recently split from Bicolored Hawk is now under discussion for re-lumping. The Opus awaits further clarification.
Habitat
Breeds in open forest and forest edges. May be found in urban areas at other times.
Behaviour
Flight
Usually seen flying low to the ground.
Breeding
It builds a stick nest; 1-3 eggs are laid and are incubated for 35 days; the young fledge 30-36 days later.
Diet
The diet includes birds.
References
- Restall et al. 2006. Birds of Northern South America. Yale University Press. ISBN 9780300124156
- Thread in the Identification forum of Birdforum
- Thread in the Identification forum of Birdforum
- Clements, James F. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2007. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 9780801445019
- Jaramillo
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Bicolored Hawk. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 6 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Bicolored_Hawk