Hawks and Eagles
Hawks and eagles are both members of the Accipitridae family and are considered raptors, or birds of prey. While they share many similarities, there are some key differences between the two: Read in Spanish
Size: Eagles are generally larger than hawks. Eagles, such as the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle, have longer wingspans and larger body sizes compared to hawks like Red-tailed Hawks or Cooper's Hawks.
Behavior: Eagles are known for their powerful soaring flight and impressive hunting skills. They often hunt larger prey such as fish or mammals. Hawks are more agile flyers and are known for their ability to maneuver swiftly through forests and urban areas to catch smaller prey like rodents, birds, and insects.
Habitat: Eagles are typically found near large bodies of water where they can hunt fish, although some species, like the Golden Eagle, can be found in a wide range of habitats. Hawks can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
Physical Features: Eagles generally have larger, more powerful beaks and talons designed for capturing and killing prey. Hawks may have more slender beaks and talons suited to their hunting style.
Nesting: Eagles typically build large nests, often in tall trees or on cliffs, whereas hawks may build smaller nests in a variety of locations including trees, shrubs, or even on the ground. Both hawks and eagles play important roles in maintaining ecosystems by controlling populations of prey species and are admired for their grace, strength, and hunting prowes
White-tailed Kite
Elanus leucurus
Spanish Name: Gavilán Maromero
Size: 18-21 in | 46-53 cm
Habitat: Grasslands, marshes, savannas, and agricultural areas. Also in coastal regions, including salt marshes.
Height: <3000 m
Photo: © Matt Davis eBird S33706401 Macaulay Library ML 45571421
Pearl Kite
Gampsonyx swansonii
Spanish Name: Gaviloncito Perlado
Size: 8-9 in | 20-23 cm
Habitat: Open woodland, savannas, dry scrubland, and agricultural areas.
Height: <1000 m
Photo: © Dorian Anderson eBird S47154033 Macaulay Library ML 112811261
Gray-headed Kite
Leptodon cayanensis
Spanish Name: Aguila Cabecigris
Size: 18-21 in | 46-53 cm
Habitat: Tropical forests and adjacent clearings.
Height: <1000 m
Photo: © Cyril Coomansingh eBird S42034510 Macaulay Library ML 82381711
Hook-billed Kite
Chondrohierax uncinatus
Spanish Name: Caracolero Piquiganchudo
Size: 16-18 in | 41-46 cm
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical environments, thriving in both lowland and montane forests.
Height: <2700 m
Photo: © Marvin Pfeiffer eBird S64260265 Macaulay Library ML 208115701
Swallow-tailed Kite
Elanoides forficatus
Spanish Name: Aguila Tijereta
Size: 22-26 in | 56-66 cm
Habitat: Open woodland, especially near water bodies like swamps, rivers, and marshes.
Height: <2600 m
Photo: © fernando Burgalin Sequeria eBird S37806221 Macaulay Library ML 161913131
Crested Eagle
Morphnus guianensis
Spanish Name: Aguila Moñuda
Size: 31-35 in | 79-89 cm
Habitat: Foothill humid forest.
Height: <1000 m
Photo: © Javier Train Garcia eBird Checklist Macaulay Library ML549973671
Harpy Eagle
Harpia harpyja
Spanish Name: Aguila Arpía
Size: 35-40 in | 89-102 cm
Habitat: Forested areas in humid and wet lowlands.
Height: <1600 m
Photo: © Giovanni Martinez eBird S59702031 Macaulay Library ML176844831
Black Hawk-eagle
Spizaetus tyrannus
Spanish Name: Aguila Iguanera
Size: 25-28 in | 64-71 cm
Habitat: Montane humid forest.
Height: <2000 m
Photo: © Luke Seitz eBird S27023883 Macaulay Library ML 23946741
Black-and-white Hawk-eagle
Spizaetus melanoleucus
Spanish Name: Aguila Enmascarada
Size: 22-24 in | 56-61 cm
Habitat: Humid forest.
Height: <2000 m
Photo: © Marc FASOL eBird S65086477 Macaulay Library ML 204968641
Ornate Hawk-eagle
Spizaetus ornatus
Spanish Name: Aguila Coronada
Size: 23-25 in | 58-64 cm
Habitat: Humid lowland forest.
Height: <1500 m
Photo: © diegograndi iStock/Getty Images Plus
Black-and-chestnut Eagle
Spizaetus isidori
Spanish Name: Aguila Crestada
Size: 25-29 in | 64-74 cm
Habitat: Humid forest, marshes.
Height: 1600-3200 m
Photo: © Nick Athanas eBird S50836919 Macaulay Library ML 130269671
Double-toothed Kite
Harpagus bidentatus
Spanish Name: Gavilán Lagartero
Size: 11.5-14 in | 29-36 cm
Habitat: Humid and wet lowland forest.
Height: <1200 m
Photo: © Roger Ahlman eBird S31588571 Macaulay Library ML 35918501
Rufous-thighed Kite
Harpagus diodon
Spanish Name: Elanio Muslirufo
Size: 10.5-12.5 in | 27-32 cm
Habitat: Wet and humid lowland forest.
Height: <200 m
Photo: © Tommy Pedersen eBird S32895623 Macaulay Library ML 42283891
Long-winged Harrier
Circus buffoni
Spanish Name: Aguilucho Negro
Size: 18-24 in | 46-51 cm
Habitat: Marshes, lagoons, grasslands.
Height: <1000 m
Photo: © Luis Piñeyrua eBird S78187252 Macaulay Library ML292009341
Northern Harrier
Circus hudsonius
Spanish Name: Aguilucho Pálido
Size: 18-21 in | 46-53 cm
Habitat: Forested areas.
Height: <2600 m
Photo: © Jeff Edwards iStock/Getty Images Plus
Cinereous Harrier
Circus cinereus
Spanish Name: Aguilucho Cenizo
Size: 17-20 in | 43-51 cm
Habitat: Open grasslands, marshes, and cultivated areas. Also, in wetlands and savannas.
Height: 1700-3500 m
Photo: © ajalber iStock/.Getty Images Plus
Gray-bellied Hawk
Accipiter poliogaster
Spanish Name: Azor Selvático
Size: 17-20 in | 43-51 cm
Habitat: Open savannas, grasslands, woodlands, scrubland, agricultural areas and semi-desert regions.
Height: <500 m
Photo: © Charlotte Byers eBird S58529224 Macaulay Library ML173379911
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter (striatus) striatus
Spanish Name: Azor Cordillerano
Size: 9-13.5 in | 23-34 cm
Habitat: Ample tree cover such as forests, woodlands, and wooded areas.
Height: < m
Photo: © Irving A Gaffney iStock/Getty Images Plus
Plain-breasted Hawk (Subspecie)
Accipiter (striatus) ventralis
Spanish Name: Azor
Size: 11-13.5 in | 28-34 cm
Habitat: Ample tree cover such as forests, woodlands, and wooded areas.
Height: 900-3500 m
Photo: © Héctor Julián Sánchez Ospina, Flickr, https://www.flickr.com
Cooper’s Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
Spanish Name: Azor de Cooper
Size: 15-17 in | 38-43 cm
Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and mixed forests with a dense canopy.
Height: 1200-3000 m
Photo: © ca2hill iStock/Getty Images Plus
Bicolored Hawk
Accipiter bicolor
Spanish Name: Azor Bicolor
Size: 14-17 in | 36-43 cm
Habitat: T and subtropical forests, forest edges, swampy areas, mangroves, open savannas, wooded and wetland environments.
Height: <2400 m
Photo: © Zhawn Poot eBird S69854385 Macaulay Library ML 240443751
Semicollared Hawk
Accipiter collaris
Spanish Name: Azor Collajero
Size: 12-14 in | 30-36 cm
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests, including primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and wooded habitats near rivers or wetlands.
Height: 600-2000 m
Photo: © Alex Boas eBird S130377306 Macaulay Library ML542944791
Tiny Hawk
Accipiter superciliosus
Spanish Name: Azor Diminuto
Size: 8.5-10.5 in | 22-27 cm
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical dense forests, woodlands, and wooded savannas.
Height: <1500 m
Photo: © Mayron McKewy Mejia eBird S31684145 Macaulay Library ML 35616871
Black-collared Hawk
Busarellus nigricollis
Spanish Name: Gavilán Cienaguero
Size: 18-20 in | 46-51 cm
Habitat: Wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes in tropical and subtropical regions.
Height: <500 m
Photo: © Alexander Montero eBird S89939767 Macaulay Library ML346911881
Crane Hawk
Geranospiza (caerulescens) nigra
Spanish Name: Aguila Zancona Negra
Size: 17-20 in | 43-51 cm
Habitat: Tropical forests, especially those near water sources such as rivers, streams, and wetlands. They often inhabit lowland rainforests, forest edges, and swampy areas.
Height: <700 m
Photo: © Luciano Acquaviva eBird S65975692 Macaulay Library ML 216632661
Grey Crane Hawk
Geranospiza (caerulescens) caerulescens
Spanish Name: Aguila Zancona Gris
Size: 17-20 in | 43-51 cm
Habitat: Freshwater bodies like rivers, lakes, and marshes
Height: <700 m
Photo: © Arthur Gomes eBird Checklist S118356865 Macaulay Library ML482546831
Mississippi Kite
Ictinia mississippiensis
Spanish Name: Aguililla de Mississippi
Size: 13-15 in | 33-38 cm
Habitat: Open woodlands, river valleys, agricultural areas, and suburban neighborhoods with mature trees for nesting.
Height: <3500 m
Photo: © williamhc iStock/Getty Images Plus
Plumbeous Kite
Ictinia plumbea
Spanish Name: Aguililla Plomiza
Size: 13-15 in | 33-38 cm
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, savannas, and forest edges.
Height: <2600 m
Photo: © Uwe-Bergwitz iStock/Getty Images Plus
Snail Kite
Rostrhamus sociabilis
Spanish Name: Caracolero Común
Size: 16-18 in | 41-46 cm
Habitat: Freshwater habitats with abundant vegetation, such as marshes, swamps, and wetlands with emergent plants like cattails and bulrushes.
Height: <1000 m
Photo: © Luis A. Materon
Slender-billed Kite
Helicolestes hamatus
Spanish Name: Caracolero Negro
Size: 14-16 in | 36-41 cm
Habitat: Lowland tropical forests and wooded areas near water bodies, such as rivers, swamps, and lakes.
Height: <700 m
Photo: ©
Roadside Hawk
Rupornis magnirostris
Spanish Name: Gavilán Caminero
Size: 13.5-15.5 in | 34-39 cm
Habitat: Forests, woodlands, savannas, shrublands, and even urban areas. They are often seen perched along roadsides.
Height: <2600 m
Photo: ©
Harris’s Hawk
Parabuteo (unicintus) harrisi
Spanish Name: Gavilán Rabiblanco
Size: 19-22 in | 48-56 cm
Habitat: Desert, scrubland, savannas, and open woodlands. Areas with scattered tall trees or cacti.
Height: <1700 m
Photo: ©
Bay-winged Hawk
Parabuteo (unicinctus) unicinctus
Spanish Name: Gavilán de Rabo Blanco
Size: 19-22in | 48-56 cm
Habitat: Forests, woodlands, savannas, and open grasslands.
Height: <1700 m
Photo: ©
White-rumped Hawk
Parabuteo leucorrhous
Spanish Name: Gavilán Negro
Size: 14-16 in | 36-41 cm
Habitat: Forested habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and open savannas.
Height: 1700-2900 m
Photo: ©
Plumbeous Hawk
Cryptoleucopteryx plumbea
Spanish Name: Gavilán Pizarra
Size: 14-15 in | 36-38 cm
Habitat: Forested habitats, tropical and subtropical rainforests, as well as woodland areas with dense undergrowth. At lower elevations but may also occur in foothills and montane forests.
Height: <800 m
Phot
Slate-colored Hawk
Buteogallus schistaceus
Spanish Name: Gavilán Patirrojo
Size: 16-17 in | 41-43 cm
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests, woodland areas, savannas, and open grasslands with scattered trees. Near water sources such as rivers, lakes, or wetlands,
Height: <500 m
Photo: ©
Common Black Hawk
Buteogallus (anthracinus) anthracinus
Spanish Name: Cangrejo Negro
Size: 17-21 in | 43-53 cm
Habitat: Riparian areas, near rivers, streams, mangroves, and other wetland habitats. Areas with tall trees or cliffs for nesting and open water sources for hunting.
Height: <500 m
Photo: ©
Mangrove Black Hawk
Buteogallus (anthracinus) subtilis
Spanish Name: Cangrejo de manglares
Size: 16.5 in | 20 cm
Habitat: Mangrove ecosystems found along coastlines, estuaries, and tidal areas.
Height: <100 m
Photo: ©
Savanna Hawk
Buteogallus meridionalis
Spanish Name: Gavilán Sabanero
Size: 19-24 in | 48-61 cm
Habitat: Open grasslands, savannas, pastures, agricultural areas, and wetlands.
Height: <1000 m
Photo: ©
Great Black Hawk
Buteogallus urubitinga
Spanish Name: Cangrejero Grande
Size: 22-25 in | 56-64 cm
Habitat: Tropical forests, mangroves, wetlands, and open savannas. Near water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and marshes.
Height: <1000 m
Photo: ©
Black Solitary Eagle
Buteogallus solitarius
Spanish Name: Aguila Solitaria
Size: 26-28 in | 66-71 cm
Habitat: Undisturbed, dense tropical forests, including both lowland and montane rainforests. Areas with tall trees.
Height: 700-2500 m
Photo: ©
Barred Hawk
Morphnarchus princeps
Spanish Name: Gavilán Príncipe
Size: 21-23 in | 53-58 cm
Habitat: Deciduous forests, wooded swamps, and riparian areas.
Height: 400-2200 m
Photo: ©
White-tailed Hawk
Garanoaetus albicaudatus
Spanish Name: Gavilán Coliblanco
Size: 20-24 in | 51-61 cm
Habitat: Open savannas, grasslands, arid scrublands, and agricultural fields.
Height: <2400 m
Photo: ©
Variable Hawk
Geranoaetus polyosoma
Spanish Name: Gavilán Variable
Size: 19-24 in | 48-61 cm
Habitat: High-altitude grasslands, shrublands, and open woodlands in the Andes mountains.
Height: 1800-5000 m
Photo: ©
Black-chested Buzzard-eagle
Geranoaetus melanoleucus
Spanish Name: Aguila Paramuna
Size: 24-27 in | 61-69 cm
Habitat: Open shrubland, grasslands, forest edges, and high-altitude regions.
Height: 2600-3800 m
Photo: ©
Costa Rican White Hawk
Pseudastur (albicollis) costaricencis
Spanish Name: Gavilán Blanco de Costa Rica
Size: 18-20 in | 46-51 cm
Habitat: Forested habitats, including tropical rainforests, montane cloud forests, and wooded areas.
Height: <1200 m
Photo: ©
Colombian White Hawk
Pseudastur (albicollis) williaminae
Spanish Name: Gavilán Blanco de Colombia
Size: 18-20 in | 46-51 cm
Habitat: Forested habitats, including tropical rainforests, montane cloud forests, and wooded areas.
Height: <1400 m
Photo: ©
Amazonian White Hawk
Pseudastur (albicollis) albicollis
Spanish Name: Gavilán Blanco del Amazonas
Size: 18-20 in | 46-51 cm
Habitat: Lowland tropical rainforests, including the vast Amazon Basin. Dense forests with tall trees and a diverse range of plant and animal species.
Height: <400 m
Photo: ©
Grey-backed Hawk
Pseudastur occidentalis
Spanish Name: Gavilán Espaldigris
Size: 18-21 in | 46-53 cm
Habitat: Forested habitats across their range, including tropical and subtropical moist forests, gallery forests, and forest edges.
Height: <1500 m
Photo: ©
Semiplumbeous Hawk
Leucopternis semiplumbeus
Spanish Name: Gavilán Gris
Size: 13-14 in | 33-36 cm
Habitat: Forested environments, including tropical and subtropical rainforests, humid montane forests, and forest edges with dense vegetation and tall trees,
Height: <1000 m
Photo: ©
Black-faced Hawk
Leucopternis melanops
Spanish Name: Gavilán Carinegro
Size: 15-17 in | 38-43 cm
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical rainforests, woodland, and forest edges. Areas with riparian vegetation, savannas, and marshes.
Height: <500 m
Photo: ©
Grey-lined Hawk
Buteo nitidus
Spanish Name: Gavilán Saraviado
Size: 15-17 in | 38-43 cm
Habitat:tropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, savannas, and open woodlands.
Height: <800 m
Photo: ©
Broad-winged Hawk
Buteogallus platypterus
Spanish Name: Gavilán Aliancho
Size: 15-18 in | 38-46 cm
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, savannas, and open woodlands.
Height: <2800 m
Photo: ©
White-throated Hawk
Buteo albigula
Spanish Name: Gavilán Gorgiblanco
Size: 16-19 in | 41-48 cm
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and forest edges. In savannas, grasslands, and agricultural areas with prey availability.
Height: 1700-3500 m
Photo: ©
Short-tailed Hawk
Buteo brachyurus
Spanish Name: Gavilán Rabicorto
Size: 15-18 in | 38-46 cm
Habitat: Subtropical and tropical dense forests, woodlands, and forest edges.
Height: <1800 m
Photo: ©
Swainson’s Hawk
Buteo swaninsoni
Spanish Name: Gavilán de Swainson
Size: 19-22 in | 48-56 cm
Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, and agricultural areas where they can find prey easily.
Height: <3500 m
Photo: ©
Zone-tailed Hawk
Buteo albonotatus
Spanish Name: Gavilán Gallinazo
Size: 18-22 in | 46-56 cm
Habitat: Open woodlands, riparian areas, canyons, and deserts.
Height: <2200 m
Photo: ©
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Spanish Name: Gavilán Colirrojo
Size: 20-25 in | 51-64 cm
Habitat: Forests, grasslands, deserts, and even urban areas.
Height: <1000 m
Photo: ©
