Roadside Hawk #2, Costa Rica

Let’s talk raptors. Costa Rica is chockers full of them. Vultures, eagles, hawk, falcons…it has quite an array of these awesome birds.

This one is the Roadside Hawk. I wonder where it got its name from?? As you probably can tell, it’s quite a common bird over here.

Despite being a hawk, these feathered hunters are relatively small—about the size of a large pigeon—with striking yellow legs and sharp, piercing eyes that seem to be sizing up every critter they see. Their name might sound a bit underwhelming, but don’t let it fool you; these raptors are skilled hunters. They swoop down with lightning speed to snatch up everything from lizards and snakes to small rodents, making them the true kings of roadside dining.

What makes the Roadside Hawk even more fun to watch is its vocal personality. Unlike many silent birds of prey, these hawks love to announce their presence with high-pitched, whistling calls that echo through the forests and fields. It’s as if they’re yelling, “This is my turf!” They’re also incredibly adaptable, thriving not only in Costa Rica’s lush rainforests but also in open fields, suburban areas, and—you guessed it—roadsides. Their adaptability and fearless nature make them a symbol of Costa Rica’s wildlife resilience, and they remind us that even the most unassuming birds can have a big impact on their ecosystem.