The slate-colored hawk is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae: the hawks, eagles, and allies. It is found in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and French Guiana.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
This hawk inhabits lowland tropical rainforests, especially along rivers, oxbow lakes, and seasonally flooded várzea and igapó forests. It favors forest edges, riparian corridors, and canopy perches overlooking open water or clearings. In the Guianas and throughout western and central Amazonia, it is most frequently detected near waterways. It avoids heavily deforested areas but may use secondary growth if large trees and watercourses remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often seen perched quietly above rivers and oxbow lakes, the slate-colored hawk specializes in hunting along forested waterways. It can be confused with the larger great black hawk, but its overall slaty-gray tone and a bold white tail band are key field marks. It typically hunts from a high perch, dropping swiftly on prey at forest edges and over flooded forest.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with steady wingbeats; short rapid flights between river-edge perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, often maintaining territories along stretches of river. Pairs build stick nests high in tall trees near water, where the female lays a small clutch, usually 1–2 eggs. Both adults attend the nest and defend the immediate area.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, whistled notes and plaintive rising calls, often delivered from a prominent perch. Vocalizations carry well over water and are most frequent at dawn and in the breeding season.
