Raptors, Chile (1 Viewer)

[Robert D.]

Hi looking for some assistance with these.

First bird was seen along the road to Conguillio National Park in South-Central Chile. Habitat was mixed farm and forest. I suspect its either a Harris Hawk juvi or a Rufous-Tailed Hawk.

Second bird was in Torres Del Paine National Park, Southern Chile. Habitat in the area was mixed steppe, mountain and forest. Not the world best picture and I have significantly lightened it. I suspect its possibly one of the Caracaras or Rufous-Tailed Hawk. Its bill seem hefty leading me to suspect white-throated caracara.

Both birds were seen in late April/early May.

thanks

Robert

 

[stonechat1]

Hi Robert,

raptor 1 doesn´t show the long unfeathered tarsi of the Harris Hawk, compare:http://ibc.lynxeds.com/files/pictures/PAUN-2008_06_22-PER_02.jpg
Hence juv. Rufous-Tailed Hawk for me.

No idea about the 2nd bird.

 

[Fritz73]

#2 looks like a young Caracara.

 

[ceasar]

Rufous-tailed Hawk Buteo Ventralis is the southern version of the North American Red-tailed Hawk. See link below:

http://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/portal/species/overview?p_p_spp=128436

The bird pictured in #1 looks a lot like a "lightly marked" juvenile Harris's Hawk pictured in Wheeler's "Raptor's of Western North America" at plate# 217. Here is a picture of one:

http://ibc.lynxeds.com/photo/harris039-hawk-parabuteo-unicinctus/juvenile

#2 could be a Chimango Cara Cara common in Patagonia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimango_caracara

 

[stonechat1]

[...]
The bird pictured in #1 looks a lot like a "lightly marked" juvenile Harris's Hawk pictured in Wheeler's "Raptor's of Western North America" at plate# 217. Here is a picture of one:
http://ibc.lynxeds.com/photo/harris039-hawk-parabuteo-unicinctus/juvenile
[...]

Did you read my post or look at the birds tarsi in the OP´s photo and in your link?

 

[ceasar]

Did you read my post or look at the birds tarsi in the OP´s photo and in your link?

Yes. I can't see the tarsi in that picture.

I do not believe that Rufous-tailed Hawk Buteo Ventralis have feathered Tarsi.

 

[njlarsen]

I have looked in my Birds of Chile and do not see feathered tarsi on any of the raptors that could fit. Specifically, Rufous-tailed Hawk does not have them: http://www.birdforum.net/opus/Rufous-tailed_Hawk

Here is a photo of the Chilean form of Harris's that does not show the tarsi: http://www.birdforum.net/opus/Image:Bay-winged_Hawk_juvenile_by_Rodrigo_Reyes.jpg

Niels

 

[stonechat1]

I nowhere mentioned that I think that the tarsi of the Rufous-tailed Hawk are feathered, AFAIK.

 

[njlarsen]

I nowhere mentioned that I think that the tarsi of the Rufous-tailed Hawk are feathered, AFAIK.

I am no longer sure exactly what you are saying?

One thing that I should have added to my previous post: Rufous-tailed Hawk is rarely seen in Chile while Harris's/Bay-winged is seen quite frequently. This is based on some statements from Chilean birders a few years ago.

Niels

 

[Motmot]

Yes to juv Harris' Hawk and Chimango. Underparts design, distinctive eyebrows and wing coverts pattern all look good for juv Harris'. Very long wings showing whitish primary coverts, and lack of extensive bare facial skin help exclude other caracaras with brown juv plumages.

 

[Robert D.]

Everyone thanks for offering your thoughts.

For the latter raptor I'll go with Chimango Caracara. There were certainly a number about the place.

In respect of the first raptor and adding to the conversation, there was a Harris Hawk about a 1/2 a km down the road that left no doubt in my mind to the identification. I hopefully have managed to include a link to its picture below (if it does not work and you want to see it let me know and I will send through other means).

Its unfeathered tarsi are obvious, but even without that feature its good for Harris in my mind. What had me questioning my earlier posted bird with this one, is that the earlier one had a lighter throat, lighter lower belly and looked less a robust bird. I am now more inclined to think it is a Harris with the wooden crossbar possibly obscuring the views of its tarsi, but if there are any more thoughts they are always appreciated.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/tourg0aegd9hu7z/raptor-3.jpg?dl=0

Thanks

Robert

 

[njlarsen]

In addition to everything else we have said, wouldn't the tail on a Rufous-tailed look shorter than what we see here? Harris's for me.

Niels

 

[birdboybowley]

Agree with Harris' and Chimango

 

[Robert D.]

Guys thanks for the extra comments. Niels, true, I agree with you on the tail length.

cheers

Rob