The Galapagos hawk is similar in size to the red tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and the Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni) of North America, but the size is variable across the islands as is recorded for many animals native to the Galapagos. They appear to be somewhat more heavily built than those well-known mainland species, and going on average weights, this species is the second heaviest Buteo in the Americas, behind only the ferruginous hawk. The Galapagos hawk can range from 45 to 58 cm (18 to 23 in) in length from beak to tail with a wingspan of 116 to 140 cm (46 to 55 in). The smallest hawk sizes recorded are on Marchena Island, where males average 844 g (29.8 oz) and females average 1,223 g (43.1 oz). Intermediate in size are the hawks of Santiago Island, on which males weigh an average of 963 g (34.0 oz) while females average 1,295 g (45.7 oz). Largest known are the hawks on Española Island, which are amongst the largest Buteo known anywhere, with males averaging 1,137 g (40.1 oz) and females averaging 1,578 g (55.7 oz). The adult hawk has various coloring within the species. The adult Galapagos hawk is generally a sooty brownish-black color the crown being slightly blacker than the back. Its feathers of the mantle are partially edged with paler brown, grey, or buff, with their white bases showing to some extent. Their tail coverts are also barred with white. The tail itself is silvery grey above, with about ten narrow black bars below it is quite pale. The wing f...Learn more about Galapagos Hawk