Cuban Black Hawk
NameCuban Black Hawk
Common NameCuban Black Hawk
Scientific NameButeogallus gundlachii
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)123
Length (cm)48
Weight (g)800
Plumage DetailsAdults are uniformly sooty black or very dark brown. The tail features a single prominent broad white band and a narrow white tip. The cere and legs are bright yellow.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a high-pitched, whistled 'wheee-err' or a series of 'kree-ee-ee' calls.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, forest, coastal
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeEndemic to Cuba and its associated cays and islets throughout the archipelago.
Identifying Featuresuniformly dark plumage, single broad white tail band, yellow cere and legs, short tail, coastal and wetland habitat preference
Description
This medium-sized raptor is endemic to Cuba, characterized by its dark plumage and preference for coastal and wetland habitats. It is often seen perching conspicuously, scanning for prey, primarily crabs.
