Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)

Adults, such as this are easily identified, but immatures can be confused with the smaller Variable Hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma). Two subspecies are usually recognized. This is presumably the race "G. m. australis" which is variably barred or streaked below and ranges through the southern and western parts of South America. Some authors include this bird in the genus "Buteo," but genetic evidence indicates that it forms a clade with Variable Hawk and White-tailed Hawk ("Geranoaetus albicaudatus"). Using "Geranoatus" instead of "Buteo" for this group prevents "Buteo" from being polyphyletic. Formerly erroneously called "Buteo fuscescens."