Great Black Hawks (Buteogallus urubitinga) are birds of prey that primarily inhabit riparian forests in canyons and deserts, with a diet consisting mainly of fish, reptiles, small mammals, and invertebrates. While they are known to be versatile predators, there is no specific data or studies that focus on Great Black Hawks consuming pigeons (Columba livia).

Dietary Preferences of Great Black Hawks

Great Black Hawks are known to be opportunistic hunters, using a variety of techniques to capture their prey. They often hunt from perches overlooking shallow parts of streams and rivers, waiting to ambush their aquatic prey. They are also known to engage in unique hunting techniques, such as herding prey into shallower water.

Their diet primarily consists of:

• Fish
• Reptiles
• Small mammals
• Invertebrates

In addition to their aquatic prey, Great Black Hawks have also been observed consuming:

• Small birds
• Carrion
• Larger prey like rabbits

Pigeons and the Great Black Hawk’s Diet

Image source: Great Black Hawk by Bernard DUPONT

While it is plausible that Great Black Hawks could consume pigeons if the opportunity arises, there is no specific documentation or evidence to support this. Pigeons are not mentioned in the dietary preferences or documented observations of Great Black Hawks.

The lack of information on Great Black Hawks consuming pigeons suggests that it is not a common or well-documented aspect of their diet. Great Black Hawks are primarily focused on hunting aquatic and terrestrial prey, and their opportunistic hunting behavior may not often lead them to target pigeons.

Factors Influencing the Great Black Hawk’s Diet

Several factors can influence the diet of the Great Black Hawk, including:

1. Habitat and Ecosystem: As mentioned earlier, Great Black Hawks primarily inhabit riparian forests in canyons and deserts. This environment likely provides them with a more abundant supply of aquatic and terrestrial prey, reducing the need to target pigeons.

2. Prey Availability: The availability and abundance of the Great Black Hawk’s primary prey, such as fish, reptiles, and small mammals, may play a significant role in their dietary preferences. If these prey are readily available, they may have less incentive to hunt pigeons.

3. Hunting Strategies: The Great Black Hawk’s hunting techniques, which focus on ambushing prey from perches and herding them into shallower water, may not be as effective or efficient for targeting pigeons, which often inhabit urban and suburban areas.

4. Competition and Predation: The presence of other predators in the Great Black Hawk’s habitat, as well as competition for resources, may also influence their dietary choices, leading them to focus on prey that they are better equipped to hunt and capture.

Conclusion

In summary, while it is not impossible for Great Black Hawks to consume pigeons, there is no specific data or evidence to suggest that this is a common or well-documented aspect of their diet. Great Black Hawks are primarily focused on hunting aquatic and terrestrial prey, and their opportunistic hunting behavior may not often lead them to target pigeons. The lack of information on Great Black Hawks consuming pigeons suggests that it is not a significant part of their dietary preferences.

References:

• Common Black Hawk Life History – All About Birds
• Common Black Hawk – All About Birds
• Common Black Hawk | Audubon Field Guide
• Great Black Hawk | The Peregrine Fund