Galapagos Hawk
Where to Look
- Punta Espinosa
- Tagus Cove
- Urbina Bay
- Punta Suarez
- Rabida
Similar Galapagos Species
Peregrine Falcon
Identification
The only bird of prey in the archepelago with an all brown appearance with yellow legs, feet and cere.
Description
Adults are overall dark brown with dark eyes, yellow feet and legs and a yellow cere. Sexes are similar but female is significantly larger than male. Juveniles are buff with darker brown upperparts and bold white and brown markings across their boddies.
Galapagos Distribution
Found in a wide range of habitats on Fernandina, Isabella, Santiago, Marchena, Pinta, Rabida, Pinzon, Santa Fe and west Santa Cruz.
Global Distribution
Endemic to the Galapagos
Status in the Galapagos
Locally common endemic resident.
Conservation
Although this species population appears to be stable, its small breeding range and population size of 270 to 330 individuals warrants it a ‘vulnerable’ conservation status. As a top predator in the Galapagos, main threats include competition for food with introduced species such as cats and human persecution. Human persecution is thought to be responsible for this species dissapearence from San Cristobal, Floreana, large parts of Santa Cruz and S Isabella.