The common black hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus) is a medium‑large neotropical bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is one of several species colloquially referred to simply as “black hawk,” but the name “common black hawk” is used in some field guides to distinguish it from the closely related great black hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga).
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Accipitridae
- Genus: Buteogallus
- Species: B. anthracinus
The species was first described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789. It is monotypic; no subspecies are widely recognized.
Physical description
Adults are uniformly dark, with glossy blackish‑gray plumage on the head, back, wings, and tail. The undersides of the wings may show faint grayish‑white barring. The bill, legs, and eyes are dark. Body length ranges from 44–56 cm (17–22 in), with a wingspan of 100–130 cm (39–51 in). Weight varies between 460–900 g (1.0–2.0 lb). Sexual dimorphism is minimal; females are slightly larger on average.
Distribution and habitat
The common black hawk inhabits a broad range extending from the southern United States (southern Texas and Florida) through Mexico, Central America, and into northern South America as far south as northern Argentina and Paraguay. It is most common in lowland tropical and subtropical forests, mangroves, swamp edges, and riverine habitats, but can also be found in open woodland, secondary growth, and occasionally in urban parks near water.
Behavior and ecology
- Diet: Predominantly piscivorous; it captures fish by swooping low over water and snatching prey with its talons. It also consumes amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, large insects, and small mammals, especially when fish are scarce.
- Hunting strategy: Typically hunts from perches or by hovering low over water surfaces. It may follow forest streams, swamp edges, and mangrove creeks.
- Breeding: The breeding season varies geographically but generally occurs during the local rainy season. Nests are constructed of sticks in trees near water, often over water to reduce predation risk. Clutch size usually comprises two to three eggs, which are white with reddish‑brown speckles. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 30 days; fledging occurs roughly 35–45 days after hatching.
- Vocalizations: A harsh, chattering series of calls is emitted during territorial displays and when alarmed.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the common black hawk as Least Concern, citing its extensive range and relatively stable population trends. However, localized declines have been reported in areas where wetland habitats have been degraded or lost due to agriculture, urban development, and pollution. Conservation measures focus on protecting mangrove ecosystems and riparian forests.
Cultural references
In various Central and South American cultures, the black hawk is sometimes regarded as an omen or a symbol of strength, though such beliefs are regionally specific and not universally held.
Research and monitoring
The species serves as an indicator of wetland health because of its reliance on aquatic prey. Ongoing monitoring programs in the United States and Costa Rica track population dynamics and habitat use through banding, radio telemetry, and citizen‑science observations.
References
- BirdLife International (2022). "Buteogallus anthracinus". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022.
- Stiles, F. G., and G. B. Skutch (1989). A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica. Cornell University Press.
- Howell, S. N. G., and S. A. Webb (1995). A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America. Oxford University Press.
Note: The common name “common black hawk” is used primarily in North and Central American field literature to differentiate Buteogallus anthracinus from other similarly named species. The scientific name remains the definitive taxonomic identifier.