This allopatry combined with differences in plumage (see appearance) and, apparently, certain measurements, has been the background for the split, but hard scientific data is presently lacking (AOU).

[1][2] Storer (1952) suggested that the southernmost populations of sharp-shinned hawk were paler below, thus approaching chionogaster.

It occurs in highlands from far southern Mexico (Chiapas and Oaxaca), through Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, to Nicaragua.

These birds surprise and capture most of their prey from cover or while flying quickly through dense vegetation.

The great majority of this hawk's prey are small birds, especially various songbirds such as wood-warblers, wrens, and thrushes.

After hatching, the young are brooded for 16 to 23 days by the female, while the male defends the territory and catches prey.

The breeding behavior of the taxa are comparably poorly known, but based on the available knowledge they appear to differ little from that of the sharp-shinned hawk.

The situation for white-breasted hawk is more problematic due to its limited range, although it, at least locally, remains fairly common.