The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a wide ranging species, occurring across North and Middle America, the Caribbean and into South America. It is divided up into groups as follows:
1. Caribbean Group - Confined to Cuba, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico
2. Northern Group - North America to Mexico south to Panama in winter.
3. White-breasted Group - Southern Mexico
4. Plain-breasted Group - Highlands from Columbia to Bolivia
5. Rufous-thighed Group - Lowlands of mid South America
The Caribbean group differs from other groups in having rufous coloration on the side of the head. This is A. s. venator confined to Puerto Rico. It is said to have stronger tail barring and darker back cf. to other Caribbean populations.
This species is rare and very local in Puerto Rico, being confined to heavily forested mountains. It has declined dramatically in recent years and is now listed as federally endangered. A 1992 estimate put the entire population at only 154 individuals. We were very fortunate to see this bird perched in the understory, around the plant nursery near the visitors' center.
Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LZ5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA | hand-held (no adapter)