The tiny hawk is a small diurnal bird of prey found primarily around humid forests of the Neotropics. It is primarily a bird-eater, and is known to prey on hummingbirds.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Central America through much of northern and western South America, tied closely to humid lowland and foothill forests. It favors dense interior forest, edges, and second growth near clearings or streams where small birds concentrate. It also uses riparian corridors and occasionally semi-open plantations adjacent to forest. The species is highly secretive and often detected only by sudden, rapid dashes through the understory.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its name, the tiny hawk is a fierce specialist that often hunts other birds, including hummingbirds, by launching surprise attacks from concealed perches. It is one of the smallest raptors in the Americas, roughly kestrel-sized, and is notoriously secretive within dense forest. Its pale eyebrow (supercilium) and rapid, darting flight help distinguish it from similar small accipiters.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside the breeding season and highly territorial within forested territories. Pairs build a small stick nest high in the canopy and typically lay 2–3 eggs. The female performs most incubation while the male provides prey; both adults may defend the nest with sudden, swift pursuits.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are infrequent and usually given near the nest: a series of high, sharp kek or ki notes and short chattering bursts. Otherwise it is mostly quiet, relying on stealth rather than calls while hunting.
Plumage
Adults are dark slaty-gray above with a banded tail; underparts are whitish to buff with fine rufous barring. Juveniles are brown above with streaked or spotted buffy underparts. A distinct pale supercilium contrasts with a darker crown and mask, and wings are short and rounded.
Diet
Primarily preys on small birds, including hummingbirds, manakins, and tanagers, taken by ambush from concealed perches. It also captures large insects and occasionally small lizards. Attacks are rapid, with short pursuit flights through dense vegetation and quick snatches at feeding stations like flowering trees.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, light gaps, and understory trails where small birds congregate. It often watches from midstory perches near fruiting or flowering trees and along stream margins.
