never abundant but occur throughout forested areas of
Central America and Amazonia.
In addition to the vultures there are two New
World condor species, the California (Gymnogyps
californianus) and Andean (Vu ltur g r y phu s). Only
the Andean Condor occurs in South America; it is
discussed in chapter 13.
Kites
Eleven species of kites gracefully skim Neotropical skies
searching out small animals such as mice, birds, lizards,
and arthropods. Kites have sharply hooked bills, a trait
particularly evident in the Snail Kite (Rostrhamus
sociabilis) and the Hook- billed Kite (Chondrohierax
uncinatus). The Snail Kite and the Slender- billed Kite
(Helicolestes hamatus) both specialize on large marsh
snails, which they adeptly remove from the protective
shell with their sharply hooked bills (discussed in
chapter 14).
Another common kite is the White- tailed (Elanus
leucurus), often seen hovering over open fields and
savannas seeking its small animal prey. The most
graceful flier among the kites is the Swallow- tailed
(Elanoides forficatus), a slender black- and- white bird
with a deeply forked tail. At 23 cm (9 in) long, the Pearl
Kite (Gampsonyx swainsonii; plate 15- 142) is one of the
smallest tropical birds of prey. Mostly black, with white
underparts, it has a buffy forehead and face, and a white
or rufous neck. Like most kites it frequents savannas.
Hawks, Hawk- Eagles, and Eagles
There are just over 50 species of hawks and allies (family
Accipitridae, order Accipitriformes) to be found in the
Neotropics. Those briefly described and shown here
are but a mere sample.
The well- named and widely distributed Savanna
Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis; plate 15- 143), tends
to be seen perched on a fence or a bare limb or walking
about on the open ground. It is largely rufous, with
black tail and wing tips and dark barring across its
breast.
The splendid White Hawk (Pseudastur [Leucopternis]
albicollis; plate 15- 144) is apt to be seen soaring on
warm thermals over forests. As its name implies, it is
virtually all white but for a black band across the tail
and black on the wings and around the eyes.
Other soaring hawks include the Common Black
Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus) and Great Black Hawk
(B. urubitinga; plate 15- 145). Both of these birds are
almost all black but for white tail bands.
The wide- ranging Roadside Hawk (Buteo
magnirostris; plate 15- 146) is well named. The relatively
small, grayish- rufous hawk can be seen perched on
cecropias, palm trees, ceibas, and utility poles all along
tropical roads. This abundant and widely distributed
species is also variable in plumage, and multiple
subspecies have been recognized.
The largest Neotropical birds of prey are eagles and
hawk- eagles. There are three species of hawk- eagles,Plate 15- 139. The photo shows but a small part of an extensive
“aerial river” of Turkey Vultures soaring as they migrate. Photo
by John Kricher.
Plate 15- 140. Lesser Yellow- headed Vulture. Photo by John
Kricher.310 chapter 15 neotropical birds: the bustling crowd