The crane hawk is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is the only species placed in the genus Geranospiza.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Found from southern Mexico through Central America and much of South America to northern Argentina and Paraguay, including Amazonia. Prefers riparian and gallery forests, swamp and seasonally flooded forest, mangroves, and wooded savannas with scattered trees. Often hunts along forest edges, river corridors, and clearings. Tolerates secondary growth and fragmented habitats where large trees and cavities remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The crane hawk is the sole member of the genus Geranospiza and is notable for its unusually flexible, double-jointed tarsi, which let it reach into tree cavities and bromeliads to extract prey. It shows striking convergent evolution with the African harrier-hawk, which has a similar foraging adaptation. Its long, reddish legs and broad white tail band make it distinctive in flight.
In flight
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
buoyant flap-and-glide with occasional soaring; capable of agile maneuvering through trees
Social Behavior
Typically hunts alone and is most often seen coursing slowly along forest edges. Nests high in trees, constructing a stick platform lined with leaves. Clutch size is usually 1–2 eggs, with both adults attending the nest. Pairs defend nesting territories but are otherwise inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include clear, whistled notes and sharp, piping calls, often given during display flights. Calls carry well over forest edges and along rivers, becoming more frequent in the breeding season.
Plumage
Adult largely uniform slate-grey with darker flight feathers and a contrasting broad white band across the blackish tail; underparts smooth and unbarred. Juveniles are brown to rufous-brown with streaked underparts and barred tail.
Diet
Takes small vertebrates such as lizards, frogs, nestling birds, small mammals, and also large insects. Frequently raids nests for eggs and young. Uses its double-jointed legs to probe into cavities, bromeliads, and crevices to extract hidden prey. Will also snatch prey from foliage or the ground after short, agile sallies.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest margins, riverbanks, and in semi-open woodlands where cavities and epiphytes are common. Often hunts from low perches, moving tree to tree while probing and scanning.
