- Buteogallus anthracinus
Includes: Mangrove Black Hawk
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. Notice the variation: with of the white tail band varies geographically.
Similar species
Further south compare the Great Black Hawk and the rare Solitary Eagle.
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.
Conservation Status
Overall common and widespread. In its limited US range it is rare and local, with an estimated 250 breeding pairs remaining.
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, this lump is now accepted by Clements and the IOC and therefore also in the Opus.
Subspecies
There are 5 subspecies[1]:
- B. a. anthracinus:
- South-western US to northern South America, St. Vincent and Trinidad
- B. a. utilensis:
- Cancún, Cozumel Island and islands in Gulf of Honduras
- B. a. rhizophorae:
- Pacific coast of El Salvador and Honduras
- B. a. bangsi:
- Pacific coast of Costa Rica and Panama; Pearl Islands
- B. a. subtilis:
Habitat
Wide range of wooded habitats, especially in coastal areas. In the northernmost parts of its range, nests most commonly in cottonwood trees in riparian areas.
Behaviour
Gentle and lethargic except while nesting, when it often drops out of the skies from great height.
Breeding
It builds a large stick nest in a tree, and usually lays one dark-blotched whitish egg. Will abandon nest if disturbed too much.
Diet
Diet includes crabs, and small vertebrates and eggs.
References
- Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
- Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2010. IOC World Bird Names (version 2.7). Available at http://www.worldbirdnames.org/.
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Common Black Hawk. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 19 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Common_Black_Hawk
External Links
