Great black hawks, also known as Buteogallus urubitinga, are birds of prey that are native to the Americas. While they are primarily known for their flying and hunting abilities, they are also capable swimmers. These majestic birds use their strong wings, webbed feet, and diving skills to navigate and hunt in both the air and water.
The Anatomy of Great Black Hawks for Swimming
Great black hawks have a wingspan of 120-140 cm (47-55 in) and a body mass of 1.2-2.3 kg (2.6-5.1 lb). Their physical features play a crucial role in their swimming abilities:
- Wings: While not as efficient in water as those of other swimming birds, the great black hawk’s strong, broad wings allow them to propel themselves through the water, similar to how they fly through the air.
- Legs and Feet: The great black hawk’s legs and feet are adapted for swimming, with webbing between their toes that helps them paddle efficiently.
- Diving Ability: These birds can hold their breath for several minutes and dive to depths of up to 75 m (250 ft), an impressive feat for a bird.
Reasons for Great Black Hawks to Swim
Image source: Great Black Hawk by Bernard DUPONT
Great black hawks may swim for a variety of reasons, including:
- Crossing Bodies of Water: They may swim to cross rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water to reach new hunting grounds or nesting sites.
- Escaping Predators: Swimming can be a way for great black hawks to avoid or escape from predators.
- Hunting Aquatic Prey: These birds may swim to hunt for fish or other aquatic prey, taking advantage of their diving abilities.
The Swimming Technique of Great Black Hawks
When swimming, great black hawks use their wings to propel themselves through the water, much like they do when flying. Their webbed feet also help them paddle efficiently. The birds can dive underwater in search of prey, holding their breath for several minutes at a time.
Comparison to Other Swimming Birds
While great black hawks are capable swimmers, they are not as well-adapted for the water as some other bird species, such as ducks or loons. These birds have more specialized features, like more efficient wing shapes and better waterproofing, that make them better suited for swimming and diving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, great black hawks are impressive birds that are not only skilled flyers and hunters but also capable swimmers. Their strong wings, webbed feet, and diving abilities allow them to navigate and hunt in both the air and water, making them versatile and adaptable predators in their native habitats.
References:
- Great Egret Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Egret/overview)
- Adult onset swimmers, what is your pace/ 100m? : r/Swimming – Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Swimming/comments/d4zbru/adult_onset_swimmers_what_is_your_pace_100m/)
- Eurasian bittern – Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_bittern)
- How do birds keep cool in the summer? | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (https://www.fws.gov/story/how-do-birds-keep-cool-summer)
- Great auk – Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_auk)
