The great black hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga) is a bird of prey that belongs to the family Accipitridae, which includes eagles, hawks, and Old World vultures. This article will explore the life cycle of the great black hawk, covering its physical characteristics, feeding habits, breeding behavior, and conservation status.
Physical Characteristics of the Great Black Hawk
The great black hawk is a large bird, measuring 56 to 64 centimeters (22 to 25 inches) in length and weighing around 1.1 kilograms (2 pounds 7 ounces). It has a distinctive appearance, with very broad wings and a predominantly black plumage. The adult bird has a white tail with a broad black tip, a black bill, and yellow legs and cere (the area around the nostrils). Immature birds, on the other hand, are dark brown above with spotting and streaks, and their underparts are buff with dark spots, with a tail that has several black and dusky bars.
Feeding Habits of the Great Black Hawk
Image source: Great Black Hawk by Bernard DUPONT
The great black hawk is a generalist feeder, consuming a wide variety of prey, including reptiles, small vertebrates, and large insects. It often hunts on foot, stalking its prey and then pouncing to capture it. The bird’s dietary flexibility is an advantage, as it allows it to adapt to different environmental conditions, such as periods of drought.
Breeding Behavior of the Great Black Hawk
The great black hawk is a socially monogamous species, with some pairs studied in Arizona remaining together for several successive nesting seasons. When pairs return to their breeding territory, they engage in elaborate flight displays, with the male performing slow flights with deep, exaggerated wingbeats, as well as soaring high and then suddenly diving. Females join their mates in these performances, flying in tandem, calling, dangling their legs, and sometimes even flying upside down to lock or touch talons with the male.
The great black hawk builds a large stick nest in a tree, and typically lays one dark-blotched whitish egg. The incubation period is 38 to 39 days, and the fledging period is between 43 to 50 days. After the young bird fledges, it remains dependent on the adult for 6 to 8 weeks.
Conservation Status of the Great Black Hawk
The great black hawk is a habitat specialist, generally staying close to water sources. However, the historical loss of riparian habitat in the southwestern United States has slowed, but agricultural practices that lower the water table or divert water resources continue to pose a threat. Additionally, livestock grazing can damage the regeneration of the native vegetation that the great black hawk prefers.
Despite these challenges, the great black hawk is not currently considered a species of high conservation concern. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 2 million individuals and rates the species an 11 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score, indicating a species of low conservation concern.
Conclusion
The great black hawk is a fascinating bird of prey with a unique life cycle. From its physical characteristics to its feeding habits and breeding behavior, this species has adapted to thrive in its environment. While it faces some ongoing threats to its habitat, the great black hawk remains a relatively common and stable species across its large range in the Americas.
