Region

Middle America and Caribbean

Typical Environment

Occurs from the southwestern United States south through Mexico and Central America into northern South America, with populations on some Caribbean islands. Strongly associated with water, it frequents mangroves, estuaries, marshes, and riverine forests. It also uses coastal lagoons and flooded pastures, often perching conspicuously on snags near shorelines. Nests are typically placed in tall trees close to water.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

soaring glider with slow, deep wingbeats; often quarters along shorelines and rivers.

Social Behavior

Typically seen alone or in pairs, maintaining territories along waterways. Pairs build large stick nests high in trees near water and often reuse and enlarge them annually. Courtship includes soaring displays and calling. Both adults attend the nest and feed young.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Gives clear, whistled calls, often a piercing, descending kleee or keee-yeee. Calls carry over water and are used frequently during territory defense and breeding. Vocalizations are less elaborate than many forest hawks but can be persistent.

Diet

Specializes on crabs and crayfish, but also takes fish, frogs, small reptiles, birds, and carrion. Hunts from exposed perches, dropping onto prey along shorelines or shallow water. Often carries crabs to a perch to dismember them and may drop hard-shelled prey to break them open. Opportunistic around tidal flats and flooded areas after rains.

Preferred Environment

Feeds along mangrove edges, riverbanks, estuaries, and coastal lagoons where crustaceans are abundant. Uses perches with clear views of water margins and mudflats, and occasionally hunts over marshes and wet pastures.