Great Black Hawks (Buteogallus urubitinga) are large birds of prey that are mostly black, with yellow legs and a yellow cere. They are found in the tropical New World, from Mexico through Central America to Peru, Tobago, and northern Argentina, and are mainly coastal birds, but also live in forests and open woodland near water.

Appearance of Great Black Hawks

The Great Black Hawk is often confused with the Common Black-Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus), which is also a large bird of prey found in the Southwestern United States, through Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America to Guyana. However, the Common Black-Hawk is generally smaller, with a different call and tail pattern, and is found mainly in lowland areas with a source of water nearby where crabs, crayfish, or other aquatic foods are found.

In contrast to the adults, the immature Black-Hawk is dark brown with buffy streaking, and the immature Black-Hawk’s iris color is medium brown.

Habitat and Breeding of Great Black Hawks

Image source: Great Black Hawk by Bernard DUPONT

The Great Black Hawk is a resident breeding bird and builds a large stick nest in a tree, usually laying one dark-blotched whitish egg. The breeding season runs from late February to late May, and the nests are usually built within 120 meters of permanent flowing waters and is typically constructed 15 to 30 meters above the ground.

Diet of Great Black Hawks

The species feeds mainly on reptiles, other small vertebrates, crabs, large insects, carrion, eggs, and fruits, often hunted on foot.

Conservation Status of Great Black Hawks

The Great Black Hawk is considered threatened in Texas, and conservation of the species depends on maintaining vital regions of riparian habitat, like Aravaipa Canyon Preserve in Arizona which is free of disturbance and development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Great Black Hawks cannot be black, as their name and appearance suggest, they are mostly black birds of prey, with yellow legs and a yellow cere. They are found in the tropical New World, and are mainly coastal birds, but also live in forests and open woodland near water. They are a resident breeding bird and build a large stick nest in a tree, usually laying one dark-blotched whitish egg. The species feeds mainly on reptiles, other small vertebrates, crabs, large insects, carrion, eggs, and fruits, often hunted on foot.

References:
– The Peregrine Fund. Great Black Hawk. Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/hawks/great-black-hawk
– Wikipedia. Great black hawk. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_black_hawk
– Animal Diversity Web. Buteogallus anthracinus: INFORMATION – ADW. Retrieved from https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Buteogallus_anthracinus/.