Common Black Hawk
NameCommon Black Hawk
Common NameCommon Black Hawk
Scientific NameButeogallus anthracinus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)120
Length (cm)48
Weight (g)850
Plumage DetailsAdults are uniformly sooty black with a short tail featuring a single broad white band and a narrow white tip. The cere and legs are bright yellow. Juveniles are streaky brown with a barred tail.
Vocalization / CallA loud, high-pitched 'klee-klee-klee' or 'wheee-wheee-wheee' often repeated.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsforest, wetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound from the southwestern United States, through Mexico and Central America, to northern South America.
Identifying Featuressooty black plumage, single broad white tail band, bright yellow legs and cere, broad wings, often seen near water
Description
The Common Black Hawk is a medium-sized raptor characterized by its dark plumage and broad wings. It is often found near water bodies, where it hunts for fish and other aquatic prey.
