BILL CLARK
Did You Know?
- The Gundlach's Hawk is a very close relative of Cooper's Hawk
- There are two subspecies of the Gundlach's Hawk
How The Peregrine Fund is Helping
Though The Peregrine Fund doesn't work directly with Gundlach's Hawks, our efforts in scientific research, habitat conservation, education, and community development help conserve birds of prey around the world. We also supply literature to researchers from our avian research library, which helps scientists gather and share important information on raptor conservation.
Where They Live
The Gundlach's Hawk is endemic to the island of Cuba, in the Caribbean. It is found in most types of habitats including forests, forest edges, swamps, wooded coasts, and mangroves below 800 m.
What They Do
This hawk is very similar in appearance to the Cooper's Hawk. It is has a slate gray back, a dark cap on its head, a long, striped tail, and rufous-colored thighs and lower belly. It has an orange-red eye and bright yellow feet. This diurnal raptor is considered secretive.
Why They Need Our Help
Because the Gundlach's Hawk preys on domestic chickens, it is often persecuted by people. Other threats, including habitat loss as a result of logging and agricultural conversion is also a problem for this species.
What They Eat
This beautiful accipiter feeds almost exclusively on birds, such as parrots and pigeons, as well domestic chickens.
Nests, Eggs and Young
The Gundlach's Hawk constructs its nest using sticks, which it builds in trees. It lines the cup-shaped structure with grass. The female will lay 2-4 eggs which are a pale bluish-white and unmarked.
Gundlach's Hawk and the World Center for Birds of Prey
The World Center for Birds of Prey offers fun ways to learn about birds of prey. Interactive activities, tours, interesting videos and a children's room with activities from coloring sheets to quizzes to costumes await you. At our visitor center, you can see many hawks up close and learn about the wonderful and interesting adaptations they have in order to survive in their respective habitats.
References:
Bierregaard, R. O., D. A. Christie, G. M. Kirwan, and J. S. Marks (2020). Gundlach's Hawk (Accipiter gundlachi), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.gunhaw1.01
Global Raptor Information Network. 2021. Species account: Gundlach's Hawk Accipiter gundlachi. Downloaded from http://www.globalraptors.org on 10 Feb. 2021
