Tiny Hawk (Microspizias superciliosus) in Misiones, Argentina: distribution, abundance, habitat, predatory behaviour, and conservation

Abstract

In Argentina, the Tiny Hawk (Microspizias superciliosus) is considered “Endangered”. Its distribution range is thought to include the center and northern part of Misiones Province. Since its first inclusion in the Argentine avifauna in 1904, more than 90 years passed before concrete and accessible evidence was known. Here, we present 77 records from 33 localities and provide a review of the current knowledge of the species in Argentina. Low population density seems to be the main factor behind its rarity in Argentina, as is the case across its broader range in South and Central America. As in other areas of its distribution, the species appears to stalk and capture trochilids, although its diet includes little birds and insects. We infer that the Tiny Hawk´s tolerance of degraded environments suggests that, in the short term, it is unlikely to face a critical conservation situation in Misiones, despite being a naturally rare species.