Ridgwayi

Ridgwayi is a binomial nomenclature designation that can refer to several different species, typically named in honor of ornithologist Robert Ridgway. The most well-known species is the Ridgway's hawk (Buteo ridgwayi), a raptor endemic to the Hispaniola island, found in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This hawk is a medium-sized bird of prey with a distinctive brown plumage and a characteristic red-brown barring on its underside. It inhabits a variety of forest types, from dense tropical forests to more open woodlands, and primarily preys on small vertebrates like lizards, snakes, and rodents, as well as birds. The Ridgway's hawk is considered critically endangered due to habitat loss and degradation, as well as hunting and persecution. Conservation efforts are underway to protect its remaining populations and restore its habitat.

Beyond the Ridgway's hawk, the specific epithet "ridgwayi" has also been applied to other organisms. For example, Ridgwayi's giant anole (Anolis ridgwayi) is a species of lizard found in Panama. Similarly, some invertebrate species may also bear this specific epithet, acknowledging Ridgway's significant contributions to natural history. When encountering "ridgwayi" in a scientific context, it is crucial to identify the genus and higher taxonomic ranks to understand which specific organism is being referred to.