The Variable Hawk (Red-backed Hawk) prey on almost any small to medium-sized animals that can be caught, but smallish mammals comprise more than 90% of prey in some studies. The most commonly recorded prey includes cavies, tuco-tucos, rabbits, miceand paramo rats. Birds are sometimes taken. Other prey include other rodents &lagomorphs, frogs, lizards, snakes, and fish. The Variable Hawk hunts in the typical Buteo style: prey being spotted while soaring from the air and pinned on the ground.