White Hawk

About the White Hawk

The white hawk (Pseudastur albicollis) 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.

The adult white hawk ranges from 46–56 cm (18–22 in) long with very broad wings and has a white head, body and underwings. The upper wings are black, and the very short tail is black with a broad white band. The bill is black and the legs are yellow.

The sexes are similar, but females are larger and heavier—840 g (1.85 lb) compared to the male's 650 g (1.43 lb). Immature birds have extensive black spotting on the upperparts and dark-streaked whitish underparts. The call of the white hawk is a plaintive kerwee.

There are four subspecies: Pseudastur albicollis ghiesbreghti – Southern Mexico to Nicaragua Entirely white, except for black markings on the outer primaries, and a black sub-terminal tail bar. The eyes are yellow. Pseudastur albicollis costaricensis – Honduras to Panama and Colombia.

Similar to ghiesbreghti but with more distinct black markings on the wings and tail. The eyes are brown. Pseudastur albicollis... Wikipedia →