Crane Hawk

The Crane Hawk (Geranospiza caerulescens)  Read in Spanish

Appearance: The Crane Hawk is a medium-sized raptor with a length of about 41-51 cm (16-20 inches) and a wingspan of approximately 76-81 cm (30-32 inches). It has a distinctive appearance with a gray head, neck, and upperparts, contrasting with a white belly and chest. The wings are broad and rounded, and the tail is relatively long with distinctive black and white bars.

Habitat: Crane Hawks inhabit a variety of forested habitats, including tropical rainforests, humid forests, and woodland edges. They are typically found in lowland areas but may also occur at higher elevations in some regions.

Behavior: These hawks are known for their distinctive vocalizations, which include loud, far-carrying calls that are given in flight or from perches. Crane Hawks are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, frogs, lizards, small birds, and mammals. They are often observed perched quietly in the canopy, waiting to ambush prey or actively hunting by pouncing on insects or small vertebrates.

Breeding: Breeding pairs of Crane Hawks construct thick stick nests in trees, with both males and females participating in nest-building and incubation. They typically lay 2-3 eggs per clutch, with an incubation period of around 30 days. Both parents care for the young, which fledge after approximately 5-6 weeks.

Conservation Status: The Crane Hawk is not currently considered globally threatened and is generally thought to have stable populations throughout its range.