- Scientific Name: Rupornis magnirostris
- Name in Spanish (Mexico): Aguililla Caminera
- Name in Mayan: Ch’úuy
- ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: ROHA
- Family: Accipitridae – Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
- Order: Accipitriformes – Diurnal Birds of Prey
About this Species
The Roadside Hawk (Rupornis magnirostris) is one of the most widespread raptors of the neotropics, including Belize. It is a medium-sized raptor with a distinctive reddish-brown back and wings, a pale belly, and a grayish-white head. Its eyes are large and yellow, and its bill is short and curved, making it well adapted for hunting small prey.
Roadside Hawks are opportunistic hunters, and their diet consists of a wide variety of small animals such as rodents, lizards, and insects. They are often seen perched on telephone poles or tree branches along roadsides, where they scan the ground for potential prey.
Breeding season for Roadside Hawks occurs from February to May, and they typically build their nests in trees or shrubs, laying 1-3 eggs at a time.
Despite their widespread distribution in Belize, Roadside Hawks are still susceptible to habitat loss and fragmentation, particularly as a result of deforestation and urbanization. Conservation efforts are needed to protect their natural habitats and ensure their long-term survival in the region.
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