The Bermuda hawk is an extinct bird of prey that was endemic to Bermuda. It was the sole member of the genus Bermuteo.
Region
North Atlantic (Bermuda)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Bermuda archipelago, it inhabited coastal and inland habitats on the low-lying limestone islands. Likely favored Bermuda cedar and mixed scrub woodlands interspersed with openings where small birds were abundant. It would also have patrolled sea cliffs and nearshore islets frequented by nesting seabirds. In the absence of native terrestrial mammals, it filled the role of a top avian predator across much of the islands’ natural habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 80 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Bermuda hawk was an extinct island raptor and the sole member of the genus Bermuteo, specialized for hunting other birds in the predator-poor ecosystems of Bermuda. Evolving without native terrestrial mammals, it likely developed powerful, agile flight suited to pursuing avian prey through coastal woodlands. It probably declined rapidly after human settlement, due to persecution and ecological disruption. Its remains are known from Quaternary deposits on the Bermuda archipelago.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with interspersed rapid flapping
Social Behavior
Likely formed long-term monogamous pairs and defended nesting territories. Nests were probably placed on tall trees or cliffs, typical of buteonine hawks on islands. Breeding would have coincided with peak availability of fledgling or nesting birds on which to prey.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Presumed to give sharp, piercing screams and whistles typical of medium-sized buteonine hawks. Calls would have carried over open habitats and along cliffs during territory defense and courtship.
Plumage
Buteo-like, with robust body and broad, rounded wings; likely mottled brown above and paler below with streaking and barring typical of many hawks.
Diet
Primarily avivorous, taking small to medium-sized birds and fledglings; on Bermuda this likely included landbirds and seabirds. May have supplemented its diet with large insects and occasional reptiles when available. It would have used perch-hunting and short pursuit flights to capture prey, taking advantage of open edges and updrafts along cliffs.
Preferred Environment
Hunted along forest edges, scrub openings, and coastal cliffs where prey was concentrated. Also likely patrolled over nearshore islets with dense seabird colonies.
