The semiplumbeous hawk (Leucopternis semiplumbeus ) is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, and Panama. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
The semiplumbeous hawk is a small bird, averaging about 12–13 inches (30–33 cm) in length (approximately the size of a kestrel or merlin). The semiplumbeous hawk is easily identifiable due to its striking orange cere and black face mask. Rarely seen in flight, these hawks typically perch silently on a high branch, waiting for prey. The semiplumbeous hawk often follows swarms of army ants in order to capture antbirds, which, along with other small songbirds, make up a large portion of its diet. The overall population of semiplumbeous hawks is small – estimated at 1,000 to 10,000 mature birds – and declining.
