The grey-bellied hawk or grey-bellied goshawk is a fairly large and rare species of forest-dwelling South American bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
Region
Amazon Basin and Atlantic Forest
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from the lowland Amazon across northern South America into central and eastern Brazil, with outliers in the Atlantic Forest. Prefers extensive tracts of primary rainforest but may use mature secondary growth and riverine gallery forest. Most records come from within the forest interior or near tall edges and clearings where hunting is possible. It is rare throughout its range and often overlooked due to its canopy-dwelling, unobtrusive behavior.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the grey-bellied goshawk, this elusive raptor inhabits tall, humid forests and is seldom seen due to its secretive habits. It has a patchy distribution across the Amazon and remnants of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Habitat loss and fragmentation are its primary threats. Observations are scarce, and much of its breeding biology remains poorly documented.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides through forest; occasionally soars above the canopy
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs, maintaining large territories in extensive forest. Believed to form monogamous pairs that nest high in tall trees. Clutch size is small, and nesting activity is often concealed within dense canopy. Courtship displays and breeding season timing vary locally and are poorly known.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are infrequent, typically sharp, high-pitched ki-ki-ki or whistled notes given from cover. Calls may increase around nesting sites but are generally sporadic and easily missed.
