Ridgway's Hawk
Buteo ridgwayi
A scarce small hawk of forests and open woodlands. The adult is very distinctive with its gray hood and barred orange belly. Immatures are pale-buff below with brown streaking and are brown above. Immatures separated from immature Red-tailed Hawk by small size and, in flight, by the lack of dark patagial bars. Typically rather approachable. Feeds on a wide variety of prey including large insects, small birds, and bats. Common call is loud, shrill, repeated “wee-uh.”
Identification
B. ridgwayi is a medium-sized, compact hawk, measuring 36–41 cm long. The adult has brown-grey upperparts and greyish barred underparts, with a reddish-brown wash, rufous-tinged thighs, and a black-and-white barred tail. The male is greyer than the female, and the legs and the base of bill are yellow.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Buteo ridgwayi
- Authority
- (Cory, 1883)
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Genus
- Buteo
Range and habitat
Ridgway's hawk's original breeding range included all of the island of Hispaniola and some of the adjacent isles and keys, such as Gonâve Island, Île-à-Vache, Tortuga, Beata Island, and Alto Velo Island. However, it has since been extirpated from a large area of the Dominican Republic and almost all of Haiti, due to extensive deforestation and loss of habitat there. It was thought to be completely extirpated from all of Haiti; however, recent expeditions to the islands of Les Cayemites discovered a breeding population there. In the Dominican Republic, the only known surviving populations outside of reintroductions is in and around Los Haitises National Park, and a relict population in the Samaná Peninsula.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
This bird is described as critically endangered, due to clearance of its forest habitat and persecution by local farmers, who claim that the species preys upon their domestic fowl. Conservationists have countered that poultry is nothing more than a minor element of their diet, and that the Ridgway's hawk has a highly varied prey base, with reptiles comprising up to 90% of its diet. Electrocution from power poles and nestling parasitism by Philornis pici flies are also reasons for population decline. Reintroductions in the Ecological Center of the Puntacana Resort and Club in La Altagracia Province have proven successful; 25 individuals were also released in Aniana Vargas National Park in Sánchez Ramírez Province, with more releases planned. It is proposed that a "Ridgway's Hawk Day" should become a national holiday in the Dominican Republic, in order for the species to become more publicly known and protected.
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black-necked Stork
Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
Large stately stork with an enormous black bill, black head and neck. Female has yellow eyes. In flight note white belly and mostly white wings with a central black panel, long red/pink legs trailing behind. Immature has darker upperwings. Usually found singly or in pairs around tropical wetlands and ponds.
Antillean Crested Hummingbird
Orthorhyncus cristatus
A perky, inquisitive inhabitant of woodlands, scrub, parks, and gardens. Note the mohawklike crest (except on young males), the rather short bill, and dark gray (adult males) to dingy (immatures and females) underparts. The female Puerto Rican Emerald lacks a crest, is often whiter below, and has a blackish face. The female Blue-headed Hummingbird also lacks a crest plus it has a longer bill and a longer tail that is blue. Calls include a high thin “pit” or “tsit” as well as various high-pitched twitterings.
Timor Cicadabird
Edolisoma timoriense
Poorly known cuckooshrike with a restricted range on the large island of Timor, as well as several smaller islands in the region. The male is mostly uniform gray, and quite plain. Females are much bolder: gray on the upperparts, with a black wing, edged in white, and pale underparts with fine barring. Habitat requirements are poorly understood, but certainly found in wooded environments at lower elevations. Vocalizations also poorly known.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.