Semiplumbeous Hawk
Leucopternis semiplumbeus
Silhouette: Sheatherius · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderAccipitriformes (Hawks, Eagles, Kites, and Allies)
- FamilyAccipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
- GenusLeucopternis (Leucopternis Hawks)
- SpeciesLeucopternis semiplumbeus (Semiplumbeous Hawk)
About the Semiplumbeous Hawk
The semiplumbeous hawk (Leucopternis semiplumbeus) is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, and Panama. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
The semiplumbeous hawk is a small bird, averaging about 12–13 inches (30–33 cm) in length (approximately the size of a kestrel or merlin). It is dark gray above with white underparts and a white throat. The semiplumbeous hawk is easily identifiable due to its striking orange cere and black face mask. It has bright yellow eyes and its legs and feet are orange to orange-red in color.
Semiplumbeous hawks are rarely seen in flight. Instead, these hawks typically perch silently on a high branch, waiting for prey. This sit-and-wait strategy of feeding is similar to the feeding behavior of other Leucopternis species. The semiplumbeous hawk often follows swarms of army ants in order to capture antbirds, which, along with other small songbirds, make up a large portion of its diet. It might also feed on bats, lizards and snakes.
During the breeding season, this species is known to be quite vocal and... Wikipedia →
Closest Relatives at Darién National Park
White Hawk
Leucopternis albicollis
Plumbeous Hawk
Leucopternis plumbeus
Barred Hawk
Leucopternis princeps
Roadside Hawk
Rupornis magnirostris
Common Black-Hawk
Buteogallus anthracinus
Gray-lined Hawk
Buteo nitidus
Broad-winged Hawk
Buteo platypterus
Plumbeous Kite
Ictinia plumbea
Black Hawk-Eagle
Spizaetus tyrannus
Crane Hawk
Geranospiza caerulescens
Harpy Eagle
Harpia harpyja
American Swallow-tailed Kite
Elanoides forficatus
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Lorenzo Protected Forest | 🇵🇦 Panama | |
| 2 | Tortuguero National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 3 | Soberanía National Park | 🇵🇦 Panama | |
| 4 | Darién National Park | 🇵🇦 Panama | |
| 5 | Braulio Carrillo National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 6 | Arenal Volcano National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 7 | Cahuita National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 8 | Bastimentos Island National Marine Park | 🇵🇦 Panama | |
| 9 | Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 10 | La Amistad International Park (Panama) | 🇵🇦 Panama | |
| 11 | Parque Natural Metropolitano | 🇵🇦 Panama | |
| 12 | Tenorio Volcano National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 13 | Utría National Natural Park | 🇨🇴 Colombia | |
| 14 | Tapantí-Macizo de la Muerte National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 15 | Chagres National Park | 🇵🇦 Panama |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Semiplumbeous Hawk in Darién National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Semiplumbeous Hawk sighting in Darién National Park, based on 118 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Semiplumbeous Hawk in Darién National Park?
November has the highest sighting rate for Semiplumbeous Hawk in Darién National Park in our monthly data.