Solitary Eagle
Buteogallus solitarius
Rare. Very large, short-tailed eagle of highland and foothill forest. Like many hawks, soars mainly in late morning and is very rarely seen perched. Many reports of Solitary Eagle refer to misidentified Common Black Hawk, which also has blackish plumage and a single white tail band on its short tail. The eagle is much larger, with thicker legs, and feet that almost reach the tail tip in flight. Adult Solitary is slaty gray (vs. blackish on Black Hawks). Immature has diffusely patterned brownish tail and dark thighs, unlike black hawks.
Identification
The adult solitary eagle is uniformly dark gray, often appearing black, with white markings on the tail. It is 63 to 79 cm (25 to 31 in) and has a 152 to 188 cm (5 ft 0 in to 6 ft 2 in) wingspan. With a body mass of approximately 3 kg (6.6 lb), it appears to rival its similarly-weighted sister species, the Chaco eagle, as the largest living member of the Buteoninae subfamily, although the black-chested buzzard-eagle is similar or only marginally smaller in weight. It appears very similar to the common black hawk and great black hawk, but is much larger and has significantly broader wings, extending nearly to the tip of the tail. The exceptionally broad wings are one of the prime distinguishing characteristics of this species. Its body also has quite a thickset appearance.<p>The juvenile is mottled brown and tan, with markings around the eyes. It otherwise resembles the adult.
Taxonomy
Genus: Buteogallus; Family: Accipitridae; Order: Accipitriformes.
- Scientific name
- Buteogallus solitarius
- Authority
- (Tschudi, 1844)
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Genus
- Buteogallus
Range and habitat
The solitary eagle is native to Mexico and Central and South America. It is found in mountainous or hilly forests, at elevations between 600 m and 2,200 m. The frequent reports from lowlands are usually misidentifications of another species, usually the common black hawk or great black hawk; no reports from lowlands have been confirmed. It is rare that in all areas of its range and poorly known. Very little is known about its diet, other than that it appears to have often been predating large snakes and one adult pair was seen hunting deer fawns. The remains of a chachalaca were noted in one nest.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Yellow-browed Antbird
Hypocnemis hypoxantha
Rather small antbird with a disjunct distribution. Males have a yellow face and underparts with a black crown, eye-line, and streaks on the breast. Females have a yellow streaked crown. Southeastern subspecies has ochraceous lower underparts. Song is a descending and decelerating series of fluted notes becoming harsher at the end. Found in the understory of humid forests, often in areas of transitional forest or poor soils. Rarely accompanies mixed-species flocks. The similar Spix's and Peruvian Warbling-Antbirds have white breasts, and the song of Peruvian is somewhat slower-paced.
White-throated Mountain-Babbler
Turdoides gilberti
A strange, chunky rusty-brown forest babbler with a white face and throat, pale blue-gray eyes, and a pale bill, rendering it unmistakable. Juvenile has a browner throat. Family groups of 5–12 move quickly and noisily through the canopy and middle levels of montane forest between 1000 and 2100 meters of elevation, dangling upside down or behaving like nuthatches, investigating moss, ferns, and bark for food. Groups give harsh grating calls mingled with sweeter nasal “nyeeer” notes.
Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch
Sitta cinnamoventris
Often seen clambering up or headfirst down trees, this small active bird is usually found in the middle levels of the forest, though it will descend down toward the ground on occasion. Gray above and warmly-colored below throughout its range; eastern birds are paler below than western birds, the males of which have dark rusty bellies. Western birds also sport a bright contrasting white moustache. Lack of bright white patch on the tail distinguishes this species from White-tailed Nuthatch. A species of hill and submontane forests, where it favors lightly wooded areas of both broadleaf deciduous and pine forests. Often detected by its quick, echoing trill.
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