The roadside hawk is a relatively small bird of prey found in the Americas. This vocal species is often the most common raptor in its range. It has many subspecies and is now usually placed in the monotypic genus Rupornis instead of Buteo.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Found from Mexico through Central America to much of South America, including the Andes, Amazon basin, and Atlantic forest margins, as well as Trinidad. Prefers open woodlands, savannas, gallery forests, forest edges, and agricultural mosaics. Common along roadsides, pastures, and urban fringes where scattered trees and perches are available. It tolerates moderate habitat disturbance and often thrives in semi-open landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The roadside hawk is a small, vocal raptor common across much of Central and South America and often the most frequently seen hawk along roads and forest edges. It perches conspicuously on wires and fenceposts, darting out to catch prey flushed by passing vehicles or disturbances. The species shows notable geographic variation with many described subspecies and is currently placed in the monotypic genus Rupornis. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes, which helps explain its abundance.
In Palo Verde NP, Costa Rica
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats interspersed with brief glides; occasional soaring
Social Behavior
Typically observed alone or in pairs, defending small territories. Nests in trees with a stick platform, often near forest edges or open areas. Clutch size is usually one to two eggs, and both parents participate in territory defense and chick provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Very vocal with sharp, whistled calls often rendered as a repeated, piercing kee-eee or keee-yah. Calls carry far and are given from exposed perches, especially during the breeding season. Alarm notes are harsher and more rapidly repeated.
