A David Mead original from Raptors of the World, published by Christopher Helm as a Handbook (2001) and a Field Guide (2005).

PLATE 51 in Handbook (Field Guide plate 56)

Semicollared Hawk Accipiter collaris
NW South America

Tiny Hawk Accipiter superciliosus
Central and South America

Grey-bellied Goshawk Accipiter poliogaster
South America

ABOUT THE BIRDS The Semicollared Hawk is a little-known bird of mountain forests, closely related to the more widespread, lowland-dwelling Tiny Hawk. At around 9in (23cm) in length, the latter species shares with Africa’s Little Sparrowhawk (plate 36) the distinction of being the world’s smallest accipiter. Some individual Tiny Hawks specialise in snatching hummingbirds, usually by ambushing them on their territorial perches.

The Grey-bellied Goshawk is a secretive species that lives in dense, lowland tropical forest. Its diet probably consists mostly of small birds, lizards and tree-frogs.

Medium Gouache on tinted acrylic gesso
Image size 8in x 12in (20cm x 30cm)