The white hawk is a bird of prey breeding in the tropical New World of the family Accipitridae. Though it is commonly placed in the subfamily Buteoninae, the validity of this group is doubtful and currently under review.
Region
Central America and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Central America into Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, and much of Amazonian Brazil, extending into parts of Peru and Bolivia. It favors mature lowland and foothill tropical forests, but also uses forest edges, riverine corridors, and tall secondary growth. The species typically hunts along openings, canopy gaps, and over streams, often perching quietly within the mid to upper canopy. It is largely resident wherever suitable forest remains, with local densities varying by habitat quality.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white hawk is a striking tropical raptor of the New World, notable for its mostly white plumage and broad black tail band. It has often been placed in the subfamily Buteoninae, though that grouping is under review, and it was formerly classified in Leucopternis. Despite its brightness, it can be surprisingly inconspicuous against sun-dappled forest canopies and is frequently seen soaring above the treetops or along forest edges.
Jordanal - El Valle, Panama
Adult Pseudastur albicollis costaricensis in Honduras
Adult Pseudastur albicollis ghiesbreghti
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with occasional powerful flaps
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs that maintain territories in extensive forest. Pairs nest high in large trees, building a substantial stick nest and laying a small clutch, commonly one to two eggs. Both adults share incubation and chick-rearing duties, and they often perch quietly for long periods while hunting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are clear, piercing whistles and squeals, often repeated at intervals while soaring or near the nest. Calls can carry over long distances through the forest canopy and may accelerate in a short series during territorial displays.
Plumage
Mostly pure white with contrasting blackish upperwing coverts and dark flight feathers; tail largely white with a broad black subterminal band and narrow white tip. Juveniles show more mottled brown on the upperparts and faint streaking below. Plumage is crisp and clean-looking, especially in adults.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small vertebrates such as lizards, snakes, frogs, and small mammals, and will also take birds and large insects. Hunts from a perch or while soaring, dropping swiftly onto prey detected in the canopy or on the ground. Along waterways it may seize amphibians or aquatic prey near banks. Opportunistic and adaptable, it uses forest gaps and edges where prey is more easily spotted.
Preferred Environment
Most often hunts along forest edges, over rivers and streams, and above the canopy where visibility is high. It also forages within the mid to upper canopy from concealed perches, especially near natural clearings or landslides.
