Ridgway's hawk

Ridgway's hawk is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae endemic to the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. It is classified as Critically Endangered because of habitat destruction and human persecution in the Dominican Republic; however, due to conservation efforts, the population is now increasing.

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Distribution

Region

Caribbean (Hispaniola)

Typical Environment

Occurs in lowland and foothill forests, second-growth woodland, and mosaic landscapes of farms, pastures, and forest patches. It favors tall trees for nesting and hunts along forest edges, clearings, and riparian corridors. Historically widespread across Hispaniola, it is now concentrated in the eastern and northeastern Dominican Republic with managed reintroduction sites. It tolerates some human-altered habitats if large trees and prey are available.

Altitude Range

0–1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size36–41 cm

Wing Span70–85 cm

Male Weight0.35 kg

Female Weight0.6 kg

Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Ridgway's hawk is a small tropical Buteo endemic to the island of Hispaniola, now surviving mainly in the Dominican Republic. It declined severely due to habitat loss and persecution, but intensive conservation—nest protection, community outreach, and reintroductions—has reversed the trend in several areas. A reintroduced population around Punta Cana is growing, complementing the core stronghold in Los Haitises National Park.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

soaring glider with intermittent quick flapping

Social Behavior

Generally seen alone or in pairs, forming long-term monogamous bonds. Nests are stick platforms placed high in tall trees; clutches are small and both parents tend the young. Displays involve soaring and vocal exchanges over the territory.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Calls are sharp, high-pitched whistles and harsh kek or kee notes, especially near the nest. Vocal activity increases during the breeding season and territorial displays.

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Identification

Leg Coloryellow

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Compact Buteo with brown upperparts and pale to buff underparts marked with fine rufous to brown barring; tail distinctly banded. The head appears slightly grayer or duskier than the back in many adults, and the throat is often paler.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Primarily hunts small vertebrates, including lizards (notably anoles), small snakes, rodents, and small birds; also takes large insects and amphibians. Typically hunts from a perch, making short sallies to the ground or vegetation to capture prey. Diet varies with habitat and local prey availability.

Preferred Environment

Forages along forest edges, in semi-open woodland, and in agroforestry landscapes with scattered large trees. Riparian corridors and clearings provide frequent hunting perches and good visibility.

Population

Total Known PopulationEstimated 300–600 individuals, with numbers increasing in managed sites

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