Great Black Hawks (Buteogallus urubitinga) are birds of prey that are known to consume a diverse range of prey, including plants, specifically fruits, as part of their diet. These versatile predators are found in the tropical regions of the New World, from Mexico to northern Argentina.
Do Great Black Hawks Eat Plants?
Yes, Great Black Hawks do eat plants, particularly fruits, as part of their varied diet. While they are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a wide range of small vertebrates, invertebrates, and carrion, they also supplement their diet with plant-based foods, especially in the tropics.
What Types of Plants Do Great Black Hawks Eat?
Image source: Great Black Hawk by Bernard DUPONT
According to the available research, Great Black Hawks are known to consume a variety of fruits as part of their diet. Some of the specific plant-based foods they have been observed eating include:
- Crayfish
- Crabs
- Large insects
- Fruits
The National Audubon Society’s field guide to birds mentions that in the tropics, the diet of Great Black Hawks may include many crayfish, crabs, large insects, and fruits.
Why Do Great Black Hawks Eat Plants?
There are a few reasons why Great Black Hawks may include plant-based foods, such as fruits, in their diet:
- Supplementary Nutrition: Fruits can provide additional nutrients and energy that complement the protein-rich diet of small vertebrates and invertebrates.
- Seasonal Availability: In some regions, certain plant-based foods may be more readily available during certain times of the year, making them a convenient and accessible food source for the hawks.
- Opportunistic Feeding: Great Black Hawks are known to be versatile and opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of a wide range of available food sources, including plant-based foods, when they are available.
Comparison to Other Birds of Prey
While the consumption of plant-based foods, such as fruits, is not uncommon among birds of prey, it is not a universal trait. Some other species of hawks and eagles, such as the Red-tailed Hawk and the Cooper’s Hawk, have also been observed eating fruits and berries, but the extent to which they rely on plant-based foods can vary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Great Black Hawks are known to include plant-based foods, specifically fruits, as part of their diverse diet. While they are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a wide range of small vertebrates and invertebrates, they supplement their diet with these plant-based foods, particularly in the tropical regions where they are found. This versatility in their feeding habits allows Great Black Hawks to thrive in their natural habitats.
References:
- Great Black Hawk | The Peregrine Fund. (2021). Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/hawks/great-black-hawk
- Common Black Hawk | Audubon Field Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/common-black-hawk
- Great black hawk – Wikipedia. (2022, January 16). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_black_hawk
- Common Black Hawk Life History – All About Birds. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Black_Hawk/lifehistory
