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ShrublandPlatform nestLarge · 783 g
What the Variable Hawk sounds like
ID tip
The name variable hawk is fully deserved, as both sexes occur in several morphs. Adults of all have a white tail with a contrasting black subterminal band and grey wings barred dark (in flight from below, the remiges appear whitish with fine barring and a broad black tip). The remaining plumage varies from very dark grey to whitish, and some individuals have reddish-brown to the underparts. Females usually have a reddish-brown back, which males usually lack, although at least some males also have this.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Variable Hawk
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is October, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Variable Hawk
The map shades 7 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.
About the Variable Hawk
The variable hawk is a polymorphic species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Black-chested Buzzard-EagleGeranoaetus melanoleucusThis is a huge eagle-like "buzzard" ("hawk" in American terminology).
White-tailed HawkGeranoaetus albicaudatusThe white-tailed hawk is a large, stocky hawk.
Side by side: Variable Hawk vs White-tailed Hawk · Bateleur vs Variable Hawk · Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle vs Variable Hawk
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