Diet

• Primarily lizards, especially iguanas, spiny lizards, and whiptails.

• Also feeds on snakes, frogs, large insects, small birds, rodents, and other small mammals.

• Hunts from exposed perches or by soaring over woodland edges before making quick dives onto prey.

Range

• Found from the southwestern United States south through Mexico and Central America to Costa Rica.

• Widespread throughout much of Mexico, including the Zihuatanejo region, where it is a common year-round resident.

• Inhabits tropical dry forests, thorn scrub, riparian woodlands, forest edges, open woodlands, and agricultural areas with scattered trees.

• Usually occurs below 1,500 m elevation.

Male / Female

• Male: Pale gray upperparts, finely barred gray-and-white underparts, black-and-white banded tail, and bright yellow legs and cere; slightly smaller and lighter than the female.

• Female: Similar plumage but noticeably larger and heavier with a more robust build.

• Sexes cannot be reliably distinguished in the field except by size when seen together.

Size

• Length: 46–61 cm (18–24 in)

• Wingspan: 90–102 cm (35–40 in)

• Weight:

  • Male: 475–650 g

  • Female: 650–850 g