The Crane Hawk is a distinctive medium-sized raptor of the Neotropics, known for its remarkably long orange-red legs and slender body. It specializes in preying on tree-dwelling reptiles.
Where to spot
Widespread across Central and South America, from Mexico to northern Argentina. It inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and gallery forests.
How to spot
Look for its long, slender orange-red legs, even in flight. It often flies with deep wingbeats and glides. Scan tree trunks and bromeliads for its unique hunting behavior.
When to spot
Active during daylight hours, often seen perched quietly within the forest mid-story or hunting along forest edges. Observable year-round.
Where to spot
Widespread across Central and South America, from Mexico to northern Argentina. It inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and gallery forests.
How to spot
Look for its long, slender orange-red legs, even in flight. It often flies with deep wingbeats and glides. Scan tree trunks and bromeliads for its unique hunting behavior.
When to spot
Active during daylight hours, often seen perched quietly within the forest mid-story or hunting along forest edges. Observable year-round.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Its extraordinarily long, double-jointed legs allow the Crane Hawk to reach deep into tree cavities, bromeliads, and other crevices to extract lizards and frogs, a unique hunting strategy among raptors.
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