The Roadside Hawk (Buteo magnirostris) is a small bird of prey found in Latin America.

Range and distribution

A common bird throughout its range, the Roadside Hawk can be found from Mexico through Central America to most of South America, east of the Andes cordillera. It is found from the northern Caribbean coast of South America, south to the northeastern parts of Argentina. With the possible exception of dense forests, the Roadside Hawk is well adapted to most ecosystems of its range.

Identification

Fairly small compared to other members of the Buteo genus, the Roadside Hawk can, in some parts of its range, be identified by its lengthy tail and disproportionately short wings. The breast and underparts of the bird are barred brown and white and the tail has four or five grey bars. There is, however, significant plumage variation depending on the subspecies. The eyes of the Roadside Hawk are usually yellow, and rufous patches on the bird's wings can be observed while the hawk is in flight.

Diet

The Roadside Hawk's diet consists mainly of small mammals, insects, and reptiles.