Bird · GBIF taxon 2480655
Savanna Hawk
Buteogallus meridionalisAlso 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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Rodents
- 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
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAccipitridae
- SpeciesButeogallus meridionalis
Range data is not available yet.
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.
Competitor (c) Dario Sanches, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion (c) Juan Cruzado Cortés, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Juan Cruzado Cortés · cc-by
Close Relative Close Relative
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