Black Hawk-Eagle
Spizaetus tyrannus
Uncommon, spectacular, crested eagle of lowland tropical forest. Most frequently seen soaring in mid-late morning; rarely seen perched. Gives loud, far-carrying whistles while flying, which often indicate its presence. Adult is black overall with bold white checkering under the wings and bold white bands on the tail. Immatures, although rarely seen, are browner with a white throat and crown. The short bushy crest is usually apparent only on perched birds and is not seen in flight.
Identification
The black hawk-eagle is 58–70 cm (23–28 in) long and weighs about 900–1,300 grams (2-2.9 lbs). It has black plumage with varying patterns on its wings and body, and white speckling in places. It has barred wings, slightly elliptical in shape, and a long, narrow tail which is rarely fanned. The four grey bars on the tail are distinctive to the black hawk-eagle, as is the white line seen slightly above the bird's eye. While flying, the broadness and shortness of the wings become apparent. While in flight, the bird's tail is typically kept closed.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Spizaetus tyrannus
- Authority
- (Wied-Neuwied, M, 1820)
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Genus
- Spizaetus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The black hawk-eagle is a solitary bird who only ever encounter each other during a territory feud or during mating season. When they hunt down prey they look briefly atop perches for anything and if they don't find anything they fly to another perch. Upon finding prey they are taken by pouncing or tail-chasing.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Vinous-breasted Sparrowhawk
Tachyspiza rhodogaster
A small hawk with yellow eyes, a lime-green bill base, and yellow legs. Adults are slate-gray above with a vinous breast and dirty white belly and thighs. Immatures are rufous above with diagnostic bold blackish spots and bars and heavily streaked pale underparts. Does not soar. Found primarily in forest from coast to mountains, but also in mangroves and woodlands. Confined to Sulawesi and nearby islands, including the Banggai and Sula Islands. Adult mostly inseparable from Small Sparrowhawk except by call, but largest female Vinous-breasted are longer-bodied, larger-billed, longer-tailed, and longer-toed than largest Small Sparrowhawk. Pale eyes separate Vinous-breasted from Spot-tailed Goshawk and from adult Chinese and Japanese Sparrowhawks. Absence of white tail spots further distinguishes it from Spot-tailed Goshawk, and unbarred thighs separate it from adult Japanese Sparrowhawk. Heavily marked underwings further differentiate it from Chinese Sparrowhawk. Call is a “kew-kew-ke-ke-ke-ke, lower-pitched than Small Sparrowhawk.
White-crowned Lapwing
Vanellus albiceps
This striking lapwing is best identified by its long yellow wattles, white belly, and gray head split down the center by a broad white crown stripe. In flight, the distinctive wings are almost entirely white with black tips. It prefers breeding and foraging on large permanent rivers with extensive sand banks but will also wander to smaller streams and pans. It utters a loud “kriiip” call when alarmed or defending its territory. The similar Wattled Lapwing differs from White-headed Lapwing by having a dark belly and red-based wattles.
Handsome Flycatcher
Nephelomyias pulcher
A relatively bright small flycatcher of montane forests from Colombia to Peru. The underparts are yellow, with an especially rich orangish wash on the breast. Also look for the dark wings with bold yellow wingbars. Sexes similar. Found in pairs, often following mixed flocks through the middle to upper levels of cloud forest from around 1,500–2,500 m. Listen for short, quick pip calls.
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