The gray-lined hawk is a smallish raptor found in open country and forest edges. It is sometimes placed in the genus Asturina as Asturina nitida. The species has been split by the American Ornithological Society from the gray hawk. The gray-lined hawk is found from El Salvador to Argentina, as well as on the Caribbean island of Trinidad.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from El Salvador through Panama and much of northern and central South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, and on Trinidad. Prefers open country with scattered trees, forest edges, gallery forests, and second-growth habitats. Common along rivers and wetlands where riparian trees provide hunting perches. Tolerates agricultural mosaics and ranchlands, provided there are patches of trees or hedgerows. Most populations are sedentary with local movements tied to prey and seasonal rainfall.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The gray-lined hawk is a small to medium-sized raptor of open woodlands, edges, and riparian corridors from Central to South America and Trinidad. It was formerly lumped with the Gray Hawk but is now treated as a separate species; it has also been placed in the genus Asturina (Asturina nitida). It often hunts from exposed perches and is especially fond of reptiles, notably lizards and small snakes. Its clear, whistled calls are frequently heard during the breeding season.
Aligandi area - Darien, Panama
JuvenileCristalino River, South Amazon, Brazil
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, often perched conspicuously along edges or riparian trees. Pairs are likely monogamous and defend nesting territories. Nests are stick platforms placed in trees; clutches are small and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a clear, whistled call often transcribed as a high, piercing pee-ee or keee-yer, repeated in series. Vocal activity increases during courtship and territorial displays. Calls carry well over open habitats.
Plumage
Adults are pale gray above with finely barred gray-and-white underparts and a contrasting blackish tail marked by bold white bands and a white tip. The wings are broad and rounded, showing pale barring when spread. Juveniles are brown above with streaked, buffy underparts and a more muted tail pattern.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small reptiles, especially lizards and small snakes. Also takes small mammals, birds, amphibians, and large insects when available. Hunts mainly from exposed perches, dropping in swift, direct strikes to the ground or low vegetation. Will occasionally pursue prey in short flights along edges or over clearings.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, riparian corridors, savannas, and agricultural edges with scattered trees or fence lines. Frequently uses roadside perches and gallery forests bordering rivers and wetlands. Requires vantage points for scanning and nearby open ground for strikes.
