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.

Semiplumbeous hawk
In Panama
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Leucopternis
Species:
L. semiplumbeus
Binomial name
Leucopternis semiplumbeus
Lawrence, 1861

Morphology

The semiplumbeous hawk is a small bird, averaging about 12–13 inches (30–33 cm) in length[2] (approximately the size of a kestrel or merlin). The semiplumbeous hawk is easily identifiable due to its striking orange cere and black face mask.[2] Rarely seen in flight, these hawks typically perch silently on a high branch, waiting for prey.[2] The semiplumbeous hawk often follows swarms of army ants in order to capture antbirds,[2] which, along with other small songbirds, make up a large portion of its diet. The overall population of semiplumbeous hawks is small – estimated at 1,000 to 10,000 mature birds – and declining.[3]

References
  1. BirdLife International (2020). "Leucopternis semiplumbeus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T22695775A168803103. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T22695775A168803103.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. Henderson, Carrol L. "Birds of Costa Rica." University of Texas Press, 2002 and 2010. pg 71
  3. BirdLife International 2009. Semiplumbeous Hawk Leucopternis semiplumbeus at Birdlife.org.


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