Gray hawk

The gray hawk, also known as the Mexican goshawk, is a small bird of prey often found in open areas and forest edges from Costa Rica to the southwestern United States. Belonging to the Buteo genus within the Accipitridae family, which includes the "true hawks" this species was initially described as Asturina plagiata but is now recognized as Buteo plagiatus.

Adult gray hawks are easily identifiable by their pale gray bodies and black tails adorned with three white bands. In contrast, juvenile birds have dark brown upperparts and brown-spotted white underparts. Their diet mainly consists of lizards and snakes, but it also includes small mammals, birds, and frogs. They build nests high up in trees using sticks and typically lay one to three eggs per clutch.

There has been some debate among ornithologists regarding the gray hawk's classification. Some research suggests that it should be divided into two species: the gray-lined hawk (Buteo nitidus) and the gray hawk (Buteo plagiatus). The American Ornithological Society has accepted this classification split.

Gray hawks are quite distinctive with their smooth pale gray feathers, broad rounded wings, hooked beaks, and yellow legs. They range from southern New Mexico to northern Costa Rica, inhabiting areas such as forest edges, riverbanks, clearings, savannas, and even agricultural lands.

These hawks mainly hunt lizards and small mammals, either by perching and waiting for prey or by flying above the canopy. Their migration patterns vary depending on their habitat; some migrate seasonally, while others remain in the same area year-round. Breeding pairs are monogamous, engaging in courtship displays and nest-building during the breeding season.

The call of the gray hawk is characterized by a shrill, whistled "kleee-ooo." During courtship, they produce long, mournful whistles. The chicks leave the nest after about six weeks, and both males and females reach sexual maturity at around two years of age.