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To the Beauty of Birds

The Red-backed or Variable Hawk Geranoaetus polyosoma, is a polymorphic species of bird of prey in the Accipitridae family. It is widespread and often common in open habitats in western and southern South America, including the Falkland Islands. Its taxonomy is disputed, with some splitting it into the widespread Red-backed Hawk (G. polyosoma) and the Puna Hawk or Gurney's Hawk (G. poecilochrous) of the central and north Andean highlands, but the differences between the two are unclear. Most recent authorities have supported the lumping together of the two hawks although the issue still is controversial. On the contrary, the rare taxon from the Juan Fernández Islands is relatively distinctive, and possibly worthy of species recognition as the Juan Fernández Hawk (B. exsul).

The name Variable Hawk is fully deserved, as both sexes occur in several morphs. At least 27 distinct adult plumages are known in this species, possibly the most of any raptor (although the widespread Red-tailed Hawk & Eurasian Buzzard have also been noted for a widespread but more uniform spectrum of plumage variations).

The first 3 photos were taken at the Reserva Nacional de Lachay, Peru. The 7000 series photos were taken at the Buenos Aires Zoo.

Variable or Red-backed Hawk

Variable Hawk 0215

Variable Hawk 4618

Hawk Variable 4617

Red-backed Hawk 7026

Red-backed Hawk 7034

Red-backed Hawk 7039

Red-backed Hawk 7024