Rufous-tailed Hawk

An imposing, medium-to-large raptor that exhibits a body length of 21 to 24 inches and a wingspan reaching between 45 and 53 inches. This species is highly polymorphic, displaying two distinct color morphs: light and dark. Light-morph individuals possess dark blackish-brown upperparts, while their underparts are primarily creamy white with heavy dark streaking and barring, particularly concentrated along the flanks. The most diagnostic identification feature is its tail, which is a vibrant rufous or cinnamon color, patterned with several thin, dark transverse bars and a prominent, broad subterminal band. Conversely, dark-morph individuals display a predominantly sooty black or dark brown plumage across their entire body, though they still retain the characteristic rufous coloration on their tail feathers. The legs are bright yellow, and the bill is heavy, grayish, and tipped with a yellow cere.

Geographical distribution: This bird is endemic to the southern tip of South America, occupying temperate and subantarctic zones. Its geographic range encompasses southern Chile, spanning from the Biobío Region down to the Magallanes Region, and southwestern Argentina, extending throughout the Andean-Patagonian region of the provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego. It is a mostly sedentary species, though local seasonal movements are recorded, particularly among juvenile individuals migrating to lower elevations or more northern latitudes during severe austral winters.

Habitat: This raptor primarily dwells within the Valdivian temperate rainforest biome and the deciduous forests of Patagonia, which are dominated by trees of the genus Nothofagus, such as the coihue, lenga, and ñire. It prefers forest ecotones, woodland edges, open valleys, and transitional zones bordering the Patagonian steppe. It can be found from sea level up to approximately 4,900 feet in elevation, always in association with mature, tall trees that provide vantage points, nesting sites, and shelter, while strictly avoiding exotic silvicultural plantations and dense urban areas.

Feeding: It functions as an opportunistic, generalist ambush predator. Its diet is mainly comprised of small mammals, including native rodents and introduced rabbits and hares, which constitute a substantial portion of its nutritional biomass. It also hunts a wide variety of wild birds, ranging from medium-sized passerines to larger species like tinamous and rails. It occasionally preys upon reptiles, such as lizards from the genus Liolaemus, and large coleopteran insects. Its hunting strategies combine passive perching on elevated branches with high-altitude soaring to spot prey moving on the ground.

Behavior: This is a solitary or territorial raptor that forms stable, monogamous breeding pairs. It is a majestic flier, utilizing thermal updrafts to soar high above the forest canopy. Highly territorial, it vigorously defends its nesting territory against intruders, including other birds of prey like the red-backed hawk (Buteo polyosoma), with which it is frequently confused due to similar silhouettes and coloration. Its vocalizations consist of high-pitched, shrill whistles, commonly emitted during spectacular aerial courtship displays performed by both partners in the spring.

Nesting: The breeding season begins in the early austral spring, typically between September and October. It constructs a massive, sturdy platform nest made of dry branches, twigs, and fresh green leaves, positioned high in the fork or upper canopy of large trees such as the coihue or southern oak, at heights ranging from 50 to 100 feet above the forest floor. The female lays a clutch of 1 to 3 dull white eggs marked with reddish-brown speckles. Incubation is carried out almost exclusively by the female for about 32 to 35 days, during which the male is responsible for provisioning food. The nestlings remain in the nest for 50 to 60 days before fledging.

Conservation status: It is currently listed as Vulnerable (VU) on a global scale by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its population is naturally small and highly fragmented. The primary threats to its survival include deforestation and habitat loss driven by the replacement of native temperate forests with commercial pine and eucalyptus plantations, forest fires, and direct persecution by rural farmers who illegally shoot these birds under the mistaken belief that they pose a constant threat to domestic poultry.