Crane hawk

The Crane Hawk (Geranospiza caerulescens) is a slender hawk with fluffy plumage that might make it look robust. It lives from NW Mexico to N Argentina. Feeds of frogs, insects, nestling birds and mice from tree holes.

45cm (19”), 350g. Small-headed with very long orange legs. Slate black with two white tail-bands; curved white band across outer primaries. Iris red; cere and bill blackish. Birds in Costa Rica tend to be paler, often showing pale barring on posterior underparts.
Immatures: Slaty-blackish with white forehead, superciliaries and throat. Cheeks streaked with white; chest and sides brownish; belly, thighs and crissum barred with white to pale buff. Band on primaries during flight.