Galápagos Hawk (Buteo galapagoensis) – Endemic to the Galápagos Islands

Appearance

• Head: The Galápagos Hawk has a distinctive dark brown to black head, with piercing dark eyes that give it a formidable appearance.
• Body: The body plumage is uniformly dark brown, with lighter underparts and a slightly barred tail. Juveniles are generally lighter in color, with streaked and mottled plumage.
• Size: This raptor is relatively large, with a length of about 45-58 centimeters (18-23 inches) and a wingspan of approximately 120 centimeters (47 inches). Females are typically larger than males.

Habitat

• The Galápagos Hawk is found only in the Galápagos Islands, with populations on several of the larger islands, including Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, and Española.
• These hawks inhabit a variety of environments within the islands, including coastal areas, arid lowlands, and highland forests.

Diet

• The diet of the Galápagos Hawk is diverse, consisting primarily of small animals such as lava lizards, snakes, rodents, and birds. They are also known to scavenge carrion and opportunistically feed on marine iguana hatchlings and invertebrates.
• Their role as apex predators makes them essential for controlling the populations of their prey species and maintaining ecological balance.

Behavior

• Galápagos Hawks are known for their cooperative breeding behavior. They often form polyandrous groups, where several males mate with a single female and collectively help raise the young.
• These hawks are territorial and use their keen eyesight to hunt for prey from perches or while soaring above the landscape.

Vocalizations

• Their vocalizations include a variety of high-pitched screams and whistles, used to communicate with mates and signal territory. These calls are often heard echoing across the islands’ diverse habitats.

Conservation Status

• The Galápagos Hawk is classified as vulnerable due to its limited range and small population size. Threats include habitat destruction, introduced species, and human disturbances. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection and controlling invasive species to ensure the hawk’s survival.