Habitat: This species is rare in forest and forest borders in lowlands. It can be found in both humid and deciduous forests. Distribution: Species reported from eastern Mexico south locally to Tierra del Fuego. Natural History Notes: The Bicolored hawk primarily preys on birds and hunts rapaciously at all levels, from the canopy to near the ground. It is generally secretive and is unlikely to be seen perching in the open. Characteristics: The total length of this species varies between sexes. The male has a total length of 14 inches and the female is a little larger, with a total length of 17 inches (measured from tip of bill to end of tail). The cere (bill) and legs yellow. Tail is fairly long and a little rounded at tip. The part above is dark-gray, with blacker coloration on the crown. The part below has a uniform paler gray coloration, except for rufous thighs and white the crissum. The tail is blackish with three grayish bands and a narrow tip. The immature bird will show a more dusky brown coloration above and will often show a partial whitish collar on the hindneck. The part below is usually creamy white and the tail looks like that of the adult bird.
