Galapagos Hawk

Galapagos Hawk

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Galapagos Hawks are the only original predator in the Galapagos Islands. Galapagos Hawks are known to have inhabited the islands for over 300,000 years and are known for their lack towards humans.

Similar in size to the redtail hawk, the Galapagos Hawk lives mainly on insects such as locusts and giant centipedes, as well as small lava lizards, snakes and rodents. It is not uncommon for it to take young marine and land iguanas, and sea turtle and tortoise hatchlings. This predator has also been spotted near nesting areas of Swallow-tailed Gulls, where it steals eggs as well as young. Even extremely rancid carrion is picked apart by their sharp, forceful beaks.

Though the exact number is not known there are believed to be only around 150 mating pairs in existence today.  The best places to see Galapagos Hawks are Espanola, Santa Fe, Isabela, Bartolome, Santiago and Genovesa.