White-throated Hawk

Identification

The white-throated hawk is a medium-sized raptor measuring 38 to 48 cm in length with a wingspan of 84 to 102 cm. Females are noticeably larger than males, reaching up to 20% greater size, though both sexes share identical plumage. Adults are distinguished by brownish-black faces and upperparts contrasting sharply with white chins, throats, and underparts. The breast and belly display brown streaking, while rufous barring marks the thighs. The tail features a dark brown upper surface and grayish lower surface decorated with up to 10 narrow dark bands. Adults have characteristic brown eyes, yellow ceres, legs, and feet. Juveniles are similar to adults but appear heavier, with pronounced blackish streaking across the breast and flanks, streaked cheeks, and buff thighs barred with brown.

Range & Habitat

This Andean hawk is found across a vast range spanning northwestern Venezuela south through Colombia and Ecuador, continuing into Peru and Bolivia, with additional populations in central Chile and western Argentina. The species inhabits humid montane forests, elfin forests, and cloudforests, frequently venturing into adjacent open landscapes such as puna grassland. Elevation preferences vary geographically: in its northern range it occupies elevations between 1,700 and 3,500 metres, whereas in Patagonia it ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 metres, and in Chile from near sea level to 1,200 metres.

Behaviour & Diet

The white-throated hawk is certainly migratory in southern portions of its range, moving northward during the non-breeding season. Its behaviour in northern regions remains poorly understood, with ornithologists debating whether northern populations are year-round residents or purely migratory visitors. The species is considered a non-breeding visitor to Bolivia and Ecuador. The hunting strategy of this raptor has not been documented, but its diet includes insects, rodents, and birds—occasionally taking prey as large as the Magellanic woodpecker. The species is thought to be mostly silent, though it produces a distinctive "squealing 'kee-ah'" during the breeding season.

Best Time & Places to See It

The white-throated hawk breeds only in Chile and Argentina, with a breeding season spanning from September through at least April. In its known breeding range, it is considered uncommon to fairly common, though it remains rare and local throughout much of its northern range. The species shows tolerance of disturbed habitat and favours altitudinal zones relatively less affected by human activities. Travellers seeking this species should focus on the temperate forests and adjacent open grasslands of Chile and Argentina during the breeding season, or explore montane cloudforest habitats across the Andes during migratory periods.

Photography Tips

Photographing the white-throated hawk requires patience and knowledge of its preferred habitats. The species' contrasting plumage—dark upperparts against a white throat and underparts—provides excellent tonal subjects, particularly in the variable lighting conditions of montane cloudforests. Watch for birds soaring along mountain ridges or perched in tall trees above 1,000 metres elevation. During the breeding season, observers may witness spectacular undulating display flights, which offer dynamic photography opportunities. Early morning and late afternoon light works well to emphasize the hawk's distinctive markings, especially the pale throat patch that gives the species its name.