Short-tailed Hawk
A species of Buzzards and Buteo Hawks Scientific name : Buteo brachyurus Genus : Buzzards and Buteo Hawks
Short-tailed Hawk, A species of Buzzards and Buteo Hawks
Botanical name: Buteo brachyurus
Genus: Buzzards and Buteo Hawks
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Photo By Alejandro Bayer Tamayo , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The short-tailed Hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey found in the Americas, from southern Mexico to South America. It inhabits a variety of habitats including forests, savannas, and grasslands. This hawk feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Its powerful, broad wings and short tail make it well-suited for hunting in dense vegetation. During the breeding season, the Short-tailed Hawk is known for its aerial displays, including swooping and diving through the sky. 
Size
38-43 cm (15-17 in)
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
White
Nest Placement
Tree
Clutch Size
2 eggs
Incubation Period
1 brood
Number of Broods
34 - 39 days
Feeding Habits
Short-tailed Hawk predominantly preys on a variety of birds and occasionally on frogs, lizards, snakes, and small mammals. These visual hunters search for prey from high altitudes, often using the 'kiting' technique to maintain a near-motionless position in the air before performing steep dives to ambush birds perched in trees. Habitual in hunting at woodland edges, they rarely attack birds in flight, instead sometimes capturing them from the ground. Their prey ranges from small species like Blue-gray Gnatcatchers to larger ones such as Yellow-billed Cuckoos and doves of various kinds.
Habitat
Short-tailed Hawk's habitat spans forested regions, including lush cypress, mangrove, and magnolia environments, to drier open woodlands. They are versatile, dwelling from coastal lowlands to pine-oak highlands, and comfortable in various altitudes, ranging from sea level to mountainous terrains. This bird species is typically found in wetter areas, yet also capable of adapting to urban settings and utilizes a range stretching from the southeastern United States to Argentina.
Nest Behavior
The nesting of short-tailed Hawk involves timely nest building and egg-laying, adhering to specific seasonal patterns. Parental care is exhibited by both short-tailed Hawk as they collaboratively attend to the incubation duties and later to the nurturing of their young.
Nest Characteristics
Short-tailed Hawk typically constructs their nests near the tops of tall trees, between 30 to 60 feet high. The nests are platforms composed of sticks and adorned with Spanish moss, with a lining of leafy vegetation. On average, these structures measure about 2 feet in diameter with a central depression around a foot deep.
Dite type
Avivorous
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Behavior
The short-tailed Hawk's daily routine centers around territorial displays, such as slow circling and occasional bounding swoops, especially during nesting season. Both sexes participate in building multiple nests, but typically the female handles the construction, while the male provides food. Mating includes aerial engagements and talon touching. Incubation is a shared duty between partners, with added nest lining for cooling. Post-hatching, the larger females protect while males procure sustenance. Harassment of intruders and nestling rearing are collective efforts, leading up to family migration in fall.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
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