Great Black Hawk

Identification

The great black hawk is a large raptor measuring 56 to 64 centimetres in length and weighing approximately 1.1 kilograms. Adults are predominantly black with very broad wings and a distinctive short tail that is white with a broad black tip. The bill is black, while the legs and cere are bright yellow. The great black hawk resembles the common black hawk but is larger, with a different call and tail pattern.

Immature birds are noticeably different from adults, displaying dark brown plumage above with spotting and streaks, buff underparts with dark spots, and tails with multiple black and dusky bars. Sexes are similar in appearance. The species has a distinctive piping call described as ooo-wheeeeee, which aids in identification in the field.

Range & Habitat

The great black hawk is a resident breeding bird throughout the tropical New World, ranging from Mexico through Central America to Peru, Tobago, and northern Argentina. Two subspecies are recognized: B. u. ridgwayi occurs from Mexico to western Panama, while B. u. urubitinga ranges from eastern Panama to northern Argentina.

This species is primarily a coastal bird but also inhabits forests and open woodland near water. It shows a strong association with aquatic environments, and this preference influences where observers are most likely to encounter it.

Behaviour & Diet

The great black hawk is often seen soaring above woodlands, though it frequently hunts on foot. Its diet is remarkably varied, consisting mainly of reptiles and other small vertebrates including amphibians, fish, birds, and small mammals such as bats. The species also feeds on crabs, large insects, carrion, eggs, and fruits.

Notable hunting behaviour has been documented along Amazon rivers, where the hawk raids hoatzin nesting colonies to take eggs and chicks. Breeding birds construct large stick nests in trees and typically lay one dark-blotched whitish egg per breeding season.

Best Time & Places to See It

The great black hawk's preference for waterside habitats makes it most readily observed near rivers, coastal areas, and wetlands throughout its tropical range. Forested areas and open woodlands adjacent to water bodies offer the best opportunities for sightings. The species is resident year-round throughout its range, meaning birds can be found in suitable habitat at any time of year.

Photography Tips

The great black hawk's habit of soaring above woodlands provides excellent opportunities for flight photography. The striking contrast between its black plumage and yellow legs and cere, along with the distinctive white-and-black tail pattern, makes for compelling images. Patience near water-adjacent forests and woodlands offers the best chance of capturing this impressive raptor, whether soaring overhead or perched in trees near suitable hunting grounds.