The Great Black Hawk is a large, long-legged hawk that is primarily black in color with very broad wings and a short tail. Adults have a prominent white band in the tail and a white tail tip, while juveniles are mottled brown and buff with black wingtips and numerous narrow bands on the tail.
The Size of the Great Black Hawk
According to the information provided, the adult Great Black Hawk is typically 56 to 64 centimeters (22 to 25 inches) in length and weighs around 1.1 kilograms (2 lb 7 oz). This makes the Great Black Hawk slightly larger and lankier than the Common Black Hawk, with longer legs and a longer tail.
Here are some key details about the size of the Great Black Hawk:
| Measurement | Range |
|---|---|
| Length | 56 to 64 centimeters (22 to 25 inches) |
| Weight | 1.1 kilograms (2 lb 7 oz) |
The Great Black Hawk is a large bird of prey, with a wingspan that allows it to soar effortlessly over its forest and woodland habitats. Its long legs and tail give it a distinctive appearance compared to its smaller cousin, the Common Black Hawk.
Distinguishing Features of the Great Black Hawk
Image source: Great Black Hawk by Bernard DUPONT
While the Great Black Hawk is similar in appearance to the Common Black Hawk, there are several key differences that can help identify the two species:
- Tail Bands: Adult Great Black Hawks have two white tail bands, while Common Black Hawks only have one.
- Facial Coloration: Adult Great Black Hawks have less extensive yellow coloration in the face compared to Common Black Hawks.
- Juvenile Plumage: Immature Great Black Hawks have a whiter head and more numerous, narrower pale bars on the tail compared to juvenile Common Black Hawks.
- Call: The calls of the two species in flight are also quite different.
These distinguishing features, along with the larger size of the Great Black Hawk, can help birders and naturalists accurately identify this impressive raptor in the field.
Habitat and Behavior
The Great Black Hawk is a resident breeding bird found in the tropical regions of the New World, from Mexico through Central America to Peru, Tobago, and northern Argentina. They prefer coastal forest and open woodland habitats near water sources.
These hawks are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a variety of small vertebrates, such as reptiles, as well as large insects. They have been observed hunting on foot and even raiding the nests of hoatzin birds for eggs and chicks along Amazon river systems.
During the non-breeding season, some Great Black Hawks have been known to engage in altitudinal migrations, moving to higher elevations. They build large platform nests high up in emergent trees or on power poles, where the female lays a single egg that is incubated for 35-37 days.
Conclusion
The Great Black Hawk is a impressive and distinctive raptor found throughout the tropical regions of the Americas. With its large size, broad wings, and unique plumage features, this hawk is a sight to behold for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Understanding the specific details of its size, appearance, and behavior can help us better appreciate and conserve this remarkable species.
References:
- Common Black Hawk Similar Species Comparison – All About Birds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Black_Hawk/species-compare/
- Great black hawk | bird – Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/animal/great-black-hawk
- Great Black Hawk – Buteogallus urubitinga – Carnivora: https://carnivora.net/great-black-hawk-buteogallus-urubitinga-t5726.html
- Great Black Hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga) – eBird: https://ebird.org/species/grbhaw1
- Great Black Hawk | The Peregrine Fund: https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/hawks/great-black-hawk
