The white-necked hawk is a Vulnerable species of bird of prey in the subfamily Accipitrinae, the "true" hawks, of family Accipitridae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest, eastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Found in lowland to submontane evergreen Atlantic Forest, including primary and well-structured secondary growth. It uses forest edges, riparian corridors, and clearings, and is known to persist in shade-cocoa (cabruca) agroforestry landscapes where canopy cover remains. The species typically occupies the subcanopy to canopy strata, perching quietly to scan for prey. It occurs in two main, disjunct population centers in northeastern and southeastern Brazil. Habitat fragmentation limits movements between forest patches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This forest raptor is confined to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and is threatened mainly by habitat loss and fragmentation. It often hunts from concealed perches in the mid- to upper canopy and will also use traditional shade-cocoa (cabruca) plantations. Formerly placed in the genus Leucopternis, it is now classified within Buteogallus. Its two disjunct populations make conservation connectivity especially important.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with broad wings; interspersed with short, powerful flaps in forested airspace
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs that defend well-wooded territories. Nests high in large trees, constructing a stick platform lined with fresh leaves. Likely lays a small clutch (often 1–2 eggs) and both adults participate in territory defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched whistles and screeching calls, often given from a perch or during display flights. Calls can carry through forest canopy and are usually delivered singly or in short series.
Plumage
Contrasting black-and-white hawk with dark mantle and wings and a clean white head, neck, and underparts; tail is dark with broad white bands and a pale tip. Underwings show white coverts with dark flight feathers, creating a bold pattern in flight. Feathers appear sleek and smooth, with a sharp demarcation between dark upperparts and white areas.
Diet
Feeds on small vertebrates such as lizards, snakes, frogs, and small mammals, as well as large insects and other arthropods. Hunts primarily by still-hunting from a concealed perch, dropping swiftly onto prey on the ground or in low vegetation. Will occasionally take small birds or raid nests when opportunities arise.
Preferred Environment
Favours forest interior edges, riparian strips, and canopy gaps where prey activity is higher. Also forages along shaded trails and within cabruca cocoa plantations that maintain a native canopy layer.
