The rufous-tailed hawk is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
Region
Patagonia and the southern Andes
Typical Environment
Found in southern Chile and adjacent Argentina, including Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Prefers mosaic landscapes of temperate Nothofagus forests, forest edges, shrub-steppe, and open grasslands. It also uses coastal cliffs and Andean foothills, often selecting elevated perches for hunting. It tolerates some modified habitats, such as pasturelands, but declines where native forest is extensively converted to plantations.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rufous-tailed hawk is a powerful Buteo of southern South America, recognized by its warm rufous tail with a dark subterminal band. It occurs in low densities and is often seen soaring over forest edges and open steppe. Habitat loss and persecution have contributed to population declines, and it benefits from protected native forest. It shows plumage variation, including a dark morph that appears mostly sooty with the characteristic rufous tail.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with steady wingbeats; frequently circles on thermals and may hover briefly in wind
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Forms long-term monogamous pairs and defends nesting territories. Nests on large trees or cliffs, building a bulky stick platform and laying a small clutch.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include clear, ringing screams and rising kee-eee calls, often given in flight over territory. Alarm calls are sharper and repeated, especially near the nest.
Plumage
Medium-large hawk with variable plumage; typical morph shows slate-grey to dark brown upperparts, white underparts with rufous barring on the belly and flanks, and a rich rufous tail with a dark subterminal band. Dark morph individuals are largely sooty to blackish, contrasting with the rufous tail. Flight feathers often show pale windows.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small to medium-sized mammals such as rodents and introduced rabbits and hares. Also takes birds, reptiles, and occasionally carrion. Hunts from elevated perches or while soaring, dropping in swift stoops on prey in open areas. Will patrol forest edges and clearings where prey is more visible.
Preferred Environment
Often hunts along ecotones where forest meets open steppe or pasture. Uses cliffs, tall trees, or fence posts as vantage points. Forages over valleys, coastal bluffs, and Andean foothill slopes.
