The semicollared hawk is a rare bird of prey species in the family Accipitridae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is potentially being affected by habitat loss.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs discontinuously from the Andes of Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador to northern Peru, primarily in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests. It favors mature cloud forests with a closed canopy and dense midstory, and may use forest edges and riparian corridors. The species is typically scarce and local throughout its range. Fragmentation can limit its occurrence, and it tends to avoid heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The semicollared hawk is a secretive forest accipiter of the northern Andes, rarely seen as it hunts within dense cloud-forest canopies. Its name refers to a pale half-collar on the neck that helps distinguish it from similar small hawks. It has recently been placed by some authorities in the genus Microspizias (formerly Accipiter). Habitat loss and fragmentation of montane forests are the main concerns for this species.
Semicollared Hawk perched in the rain
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; highly agile within forest canopy
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season. Likely monogamous, nesting high in tall trees with a small stick nest. Clutch size is small, and both adults share territory defense; the male often provisions the female and young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched calls, including rapid kek-kek series and thin whistles. Calling increases around dawn and during the breeding season but is otherwise infrequent.
Plumage
Dark slate-gray upperparts with a contrasting clean white throat and upper breast forming a pale half-collar; underparts finely barred gray to rufous-gray. Tail is dark with narrow pale bands and a slightly rounded tip. Wings are short and rounded for maneuvering through forest.
Diet
Primarily hunts small birds and occasionally takes small mammals, lizards, and large insects. Uses sit-and-wait tactics from concealed perches, followed by short, rapid pursuits through the understory and mid-canopy. Will also sally from the canopy edge to surprise prey and may use natural openings or trails to ambush passing birds.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense montane forest canopies, along forest edges, and near riparian strips where visibility and prey traffic are higher. Often selects perches with good cover to remain concealed before launching quick attacks.
