In the Falklands this bird might be called 'Blue Hawk' 'Hawk', Variable Hawk or Red-backed Buzzard. It is resident breeder nesting on high rocky outcrops and coastal cliffs, using the same nest each year, adding vegetation to it.

Length; 46 - 56 cm ( 20 - 22 inches). Both sexes have variable body plumage colours but the female always has a rich chestnut-brown back. The smaller male is grey on upperparts. Both have white underparts and a heavy black bar on the tail.

Food varies, it will take what is available, mice, rats, rabbits, hares, goslings, small birds and gulls and occassionally carrion.

Range: Found across most of the Falklands. Widely distributed from the Falklands and Tierra del Fuego, as far north as central Columbia.

Sources include: Falkland Islands State of the Environment Report 2008 Otley H, Munro G, Clausen A, Ingham B. A Field Guide to the Wildlife of The Falkland Islands and South Georgia - Ian J Strange, Guide to Birds of the Falkland Islands- Robin W. Woods.

Photographic credits: Robert Maddocks, Tracy Evans, Ali Marsh

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