From Opus

Buteogallus anthracinus

Photo by bobsofpa
Locality: Big Bend NP, Texas, USA.

[edit] Identification

Length 50-58cm (20-23"), wingspan 122-127cm (48-50") As the name implies, this is a very dark hawk; dark brown to almost black, with a yellow bill tipped in black, and some white spotting on the base of the primary flight feathers, and at the tip of the tail. In its limited US range, it is most easily identified by chunky shape and broad white band crossing middle of tail. Further south compare the Great Black Hawk and the rare Solitary Eagle.

[edit] Distribution

Found in coastal regions of northern and north-western South America, incl. Trinidad & Tobago, north through Central America and Mexico, to southernmost USA (Arizona and Texas). Generally resident, but some local movements, and only a summer visitor to south-eastern Arizona. Also seen along border section of Rio Grande River, notably in Big Bend NP, in winter. Very rare visitor to lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. A resident population also occurs on Cuba.

Photo by mrmike
Cuban Black Hawk photographed on Cuba.

[edit] Taxonomy

Recent evidence strongly suggests that the population on Cuba should be considered a separate species, the Cuban Black Hawk (Buteogallus gundlachii). On the contrary, recent evidence strongly suggests that the Mangrove Black Hawk should be considered a subspecies, B. anthracinus subtilis, of the Common Black Hawk.

[edit] Habitat

Wide range of wooded habitats, especially in coastal areas.

[edit] Behaviour

In the northernmost parts of its range, nests most commonly in cottonwood trees in riparian areas. Gentle and lethargic except while nesting, when it often drops out of the skies from great height. Will abandon nest if disturbed too much.

Conservation Status: Overall common and widespread. In its limited US range it is rare and local, with an estimated 250 breeding pairs remaining.

[edit] External Links