black hawk

1. Bird Name
Commonly known as the Black Hawk, its scientific name is Buteogallus anthracinus.

2. Appearance
The Black Hawk is a majestic bird of prey defined by its predominantly dark plumage. This raptor showcases a sooty black coloration on its body, with white upper and lower tail-coverts. The wings of this bird are broad and rounded. The beak is large and hooked, indicative of its carnivorous diet, and boasts a dark hue much like the rest of its body. The Black Hawk’s feet and eyes are both vibrant yellow, creating a striking contrast against its dark body. The sexes do not exhibit significant differences in plumage or size, making it difficult to distinguish males and females.

3. Size
A full-grown Black Hawk typically measures between 43cm to 53cm (or 17 to 21 inches) in body length. These birds showcase a notable wingspan, stretching up to 122cm or approximately 4 feet. The weight range of these raptors falls between 750g to 1kg (1.6lb to 2.2lb), with females slightly larger than males.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Black Hawk is native to the Americas, with their habitat extending from the southwestern United States through Central America and into South America as far as Venezuela. The bird favors marshes, mangrove swamps, riparian woodlands, and lagoons. It can be seen soaring near water bodies, where it sources much of its diet.

5. Interesting Facts
The Black Hawk is known to be a solitary bird, often seen alighting on tall trees or circling far above the ground. The bird can spend long periods in soaring flight. They have also been noted to exhibit site loyalty, tending to return to the same nesting area year after year. These hawks have a significant role in indigenous cultures across the Americas—appearing in folklore and mythology due to their majestic and striking appeal.

6. Diet
Primarily, the Black Hawk is a carnivore, feeding on an array of aquatic animals such as frogs, crabs, small fish, and turtles. They also hunt for lizards, small rodents, and snakes.

7. Behavior & Sounds
The Black Hawk is usually silent but communicates through a series of whistles and screams more frequently around the nesting period. Night roosting is a common behavior among these birds and during the day, they are often spotted soaring low over water or sitting in high perches. The Black Hawk tends to return to its previous nests, refurbishing them over the breeding season.

8. Conservation Status
As per the IUCN Red List, the Black Hawk holds the status of “Least Concern.” They are not currently facing significant threats, with populations appearing stable across their range.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, the Black Hawk can live for approximately 20 years. When in captivity and under ideal conditions, they are known to live slightly longer lives.

10. Additional Notes
In Central and South America, these birds are often referred to as “Gavilán Negro.” The Black Hawk plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, acting as a predator for a range of small animals—which helps to control their numbers. This bird’s adaptive nature and affinity towards diverse habitats denote its notable survival instincts. Despite being solitary, these birds make their presence known, gracing the skies with their intensive flights, and adding to the biodiversity of our planet.