High up in the canopy, a flash of black catches your eye. It could be the Common Black Hawk, a frequent visitor to Costa Rica’s skies. But wait! Look closer. Does that silhouette have longer legs, a different beak, and perhaps a hint of red? If so, then you’ve just spotted the crane hawk, a master of disguise with a fascinating hidden life.

The crane hawk (Geranospiza caerulescens) is a denizen of the Costa Rican lowlands, particularly along the coasts. Unlike its montane cousin, the black hawk, the crane hawk prefers the humid embrace of forests and wooded swamps. It thrives near water, its keen eyes scanning the edges of rivers, ponds, and marshes for unsuspecting prey.

While perched, the crane hawk might appear deceptively ordinary. Its plumage is a sleek black, with just a few white bars hinting at a hidden secret. But take flight, and the bird undergoes a transformation. The long tail unfurls, revealing two broad white bands, a stark contrast to the dark background. The underside of the wings also flashes white, making the crane hawk a striking sight in motion.

But the true marvel of the crane hawk lies in its legs. These aren’t your average raptor appendages. Crane hawks possess double-jointed tarsal bones, granting them an incredible range of motion. These bendy legs act like extra-long fingers, allowing the hawk to delve deep into tree holes, crevices, and bromeliads. This agility makes the crane hawk an expert hunter, adept at extracting lizards, frogs, mice, and even unsuspecting nesting birds from their hidden refuges.

While widespread throughout Central and South America, the crane hawk can be elusive. It’s not uncommon to hear its piercing, high-pitched call echoing through the forest, but catching a glimpse can be a challenge. Their solitary nature and preference for dense foliage contribute to their mystique.

However, for those lucky enough to spot a crane hawk, the experience is unforgettable. Watching this raptor navigate the forest with its long, lanky legs and telescopic vision is a testament to the incredible adaptations found in the natural world.

Crane Hawk spotting tips:

• Keep an eye out for crane hawks near bodies of water in lowland areas, particularly along the coasts.
• Listen for their high-pitched calls that pierce through the forest canopy.
• During flight, look for the contrasting white bands on the tail and underside of the wings.
• Patience and keen observation are key to spotting this elusive bird.

If you’re visiting our Costa Rican retreat nestled in the mountains, you won’t likely encounter the crane hawk. But don’t be discouraged! Costa Rica boasts a diverse range of avian wonders, and our experienced guides can help you discover the feathered jewels that grace our mountain forests.

Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll delve into the lives of another captivating Costa Rican bird!

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)