Fauna
Bird

Ridgway's Hawk

Buteo ridgwayi

Also known as Hispaniolan Hawk

Ridgway's hawks are compact Caribbean raptors recognizable by their rich rufous thighs, brown-and-gray upperparts, and heavily barred tails. Endemic to Hispaniola, these hunters perch quietly in forest canopies before dropping swiftly to capture lizards, snakes, and small mammals. Intensive community conservation and nest protection programs are currently helping populations recover across protected parklands.

EndemicRaptor
Ridgway's Hawk reference1 / 4
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Critically EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXCritically EndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAnole Lizards, Snakes, Small Rodents
Predators
  • Humans
  • Feral Cats
  • Invasive Rats
ThreatsHabitat destruction, human persecution, parasitic nest flies
HabitatsTropical lowland forests, rainforests, pine forests
Life span10 to 15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAccipitridae
  2. SpeciesButeo ridgwayi
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for a medium-sized hawk with bright rufous thighs, a barred tail, and a high-pitched whistling call.
Support conservation
Keep a wide distance from nesting trees to prevent nest abandonment, and do not publish exact nest coordinates.
Responsible observation
  • Observation Distance: Keep a respectful distance and use binoculars, particularly during the spring nesting season.
  • Prime Spotting: Visit Los Haitises National Park in the early morning when adults actively hunt along forest edges.
Related species
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