Bird

Savanna Hawk

Buteogallus meridionalis

Also known as Savannah Hawk, Red-winged Hawk

Savanna Hawks are striking, long-legged raptors that dominate the open grasslands and marshes of Central and South America. They frequently hunt from low perches or on foot, scanning fields for small mammals, lizards, and large insects. During seasonal grass fires, these adaptable hunters often gather along the advancing line of smoke to catch fleeing prey.

RaptorLong-LeggedSavanna

1 / 7

—observations

—countries

—peak records

Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyRodents, Lizards, Large insects

Predators

Large owls
Snakes (eggs and nestlings)

ThreatsHabitat conversion to intensive agriculture and shifts in natural fire regimes

HabitatsOpen savannas, flooded grasslands, swamp edges, and palm pastures

Life span15–20 years

Classification

FamilyAccipitridae
SpeciesButeogallus meridionalis

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Equipped with powerful talons and a sharp beak; observe from a distance and do not approach.

Responsible observation

Fence Post Scanning: Look for individuals perched conspicuously on roadside posts or low branches near wet fields.
Fire Tracking: Watch open fields during controlled burns or grass fires where multiple raptors may forage together.
Maintain Distance: Use optics to observe natural hunting behavior without flushing birds from perches.

Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…