White-throated Hawk

Belonging to the family Accipitridae, this medium-sized raptor measures between 40 and 48 centimeters in length and has a wingspan of approximately 85 to 110 centimeters. It exhibits pronounced sexual size dimorphism, with females being significantly larger and heavier than males. The dorsal plumage is predominantly dark brown to blackish, creating a sharp and striking contrast with a pristine, highly conspicuous white throat. This pale throat patch is bordered by dark malar streaks that produce a hooded appearance. The underparts are mostly white to pale buff, heavily marked with dense streaks and bars of rufous and reddish-brown, which are particularly concentrated along the flanks. The wings are relatively short and broad, an adaptation for navigating dense forest canopies, while the tail is grayish-brown, adorned with several dark transverse bars and a broader subterminal band. The eyes feature a dark brown iris, and both the legs and cere are a vibrant bright yellow.

Geographical distribution: It occurs discontinuously along the entire length of the Andean cordillera, ranging from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia southwards to the southern tip of Chile and Argentina. It is a highly migratory species; its breeding populations are restricted to the temperate forests of southern Chile (from the Araucanía region to Tierra del Fuego) and southwestern Argentina (provincias of Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, and Santa Cruz). During the austral autumn, these southern breeders perform a long-distance latitudinal migration northward along the Andean corridor to spend the non-breeding season in the high-elevation montane forests of the northern Andes.

Habitat: This raptor is closely associated with temperate rain forests dominated by Nothofagus species (such as coihue, lenga, and roble), as well as mixed forests containing native conifers like the monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana). During migration and wintering, it frequents Andean cloud forests, humid montane forest edges, forest clearings, and high-altitude sclerophyllous scrublands. Its altitudinal range is extensive, extending from sea level in the southern maritime forests up to 3,000 or 3,500 meters above sea level within the tropical and subtropical Andean zones.

Feeding: Acting as a generalist and opportunistic ambush predator, its diet is primarily composed of small mammals, such as wild rodents, juvenile lagomorphs, and occasionally small marsupials. It complements this diet with a wide variety of passerine birds that inhabit the forest canopy, as well as reptiles (specifically lizards of the genus Liolaemus) and large insects like beetles and orthopterans. Hunting involves sitting quietly on hidden perches within the mid-to-high forest canopy, from which it launches rapid, silent dives to capture prey on the ground or pursues small birds with agile maneuvers through the dense vegetation.

Behavior: This raptor is typically observed alone or in pairs, maintaining a very secretive and silent demeanor during the breeding season to prevent detection of its nesting sites. Its flight is agile and highly maneuverable, alternating rapid wingbeats with short glides beneath the forest canopy. However, it also regularly utilizes thermal updrafts to soar high above the forest tops, during which it may perform territorial aerial displays and emit high-pitched whistles. It is notable for being one of the few Neotropical raptors to undertake a regular, long-distance transequatorial migration, exhibiting high site fidelity to both its migratory routes and its summer nesting territories.

Nesting: Breeding activity begins during the austral spring, between October and November. The pair constructs a bulky platform nest made of dry sticks and twigs, lining the interior cup with fresh green leaves that are continuously replaced to maintain moisture and cleanliness. These nests are situated high above the ground, usually at heights of 15 to 25 meters, in the main fork or sturdy lateral branches of mature, emergent trees, particularly of the genus Nothofagus. The clutch typically consists of 1 to 2 eggs, which are creamy white with variable reddish-brown and lilac spots. Incubation is performed primarily by the female and lasts approximately 30 to 33 days. During this period, the male defends the territory and provides food for the female and later for the chicks. The young fledge after spending 40 to 45 days in the nest.

Conservation status: It is currently classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. However, at a regional level within Chile and Argentina, it is considered rare or vulnerable due to its naturally low population densities and narrow ecological niche. The primary threats facing this species are deforestation and fragmentation of native temperate and montane forests, the loss of mature nesting trees, forest fires, and direct human persecution stemming from the unfounded belief that it poses a threat to domestic poultry.