Western Ecuador and adjacent north-western Peru. Single record from eastern Andean slope now questioned by its authors.
 
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 250 - 999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat destruction and fragmentation through illegal logging, hunting, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Lizards, snakes, crabs, rodents, small birds and large insects.
Voice
A loud husky scream 'shreeeyr' often repeatedly, primarily in flight. Most similar to White Hawk (Pseudastur albicollis).
Grey-backed Hawk (Pseudastur occidentalis) [XC238913]
by Robert S. Ridgely from El Oro: Reserva Buenaventura 9 km WNW Pi\u00f1as, Ecuador (flight call)
Grey-backed Hawk (Pseudastur occidentalis) [XC276423]
by Niels Krabbe from Guayas: Cerro Blanco, Ecuador (call)
Subspecies
Has been considered a subspecies of White Hawk (Pseudastur albicollis), to which it is closely allied. Forms superspecies with White Hawk (Pseudastur albicollis) and Mantled Hawk (Pseudastur polionotus).
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Variable Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma) which is paler grey above with red mantle and narrower subterminal band.
References
See References.