The Key to Scientific Names
- CHONDROHIERAX
(Accipitridae; Ϯ Hook-billed Kite C. uncinatus) Gr. χονδρος khondros coarse, gross; ἱεραξ hierax, ἱερακος hierakos hawk (cf. “Greek χονδρο, khondro, gristle, cartilage ... This single member of the genus lacks a bony shield above the eye” (Holloway 2003)); "Medium-sized kite, with variably large and conspicuously hooked bill, heavy but rounded pigeon-like head, longish wings and tail, and short legs with weak feet. Perches in trees, usually skulking within canopy, but unobtrusive and sluggish rather than shy ... Wide range of plumages apparently mimics various faster or stronger raptors that are otherwise different in shape or behaviour" (Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001); "43e Genre: CHONDROHIERAX. Less. hab. Amériq. tropicale. — 129. Chondrohierax erythrofrons, Dædalion erythrofrons, Lesson, Echo, no. 45, 11 déc. 1842. hab. San-Carlos (Centre-Amérique)." (Lesson 1843); "Chondrohierax Lesson, Écho du Monde Savant, (2), 7, 1843, col. 61. Type, by monotypy, Daedalion erythrofrons Lesson = Falco uncinatus Daudin." (Peters, 1931, I, p. 200).
Synon. Cymindis, Regerhinus.
