Chaco Eagle
Buteogallus coronatus
Huge imposing eagle. Distinctive flight shape with a short tail and very broad inner wings that taper towards the tip. Body is largely gray with a small crest. The tail has a wide black band with white tips. Juveniles are brown and streaky with a paler belly. The call is a long, high-pitched whistle. Rare, usually found in grasslands and savanna wilderness areas, often with rocky outcrops.
Identification
The Chaco eagle is a large raptor with a mostly dull and silvery grey body plumage. Its short black tail has a broad white medial band as well as a white tip and both its cere and legs are yellow. As its name indicates, the Crowned Solitary Eagle has a crest of darker grey feathers. The juvenile also has a crest but its colour dark brown, except for it creamy head and underbody which are both have grey streaks. It is one of the largest raptors in the Neotropics and normally weighs around 2.95 kg (6.5 lb). Its total length can reach 73–79 cm (29–31 in) and it has a wingspan of 170–183 cm (5 ft 7 in – 6 ft 0 in).
Taxonomy
Buteogallus coronatus is monotypic, meaning that there are no subspecies. Vieillot first named it Harpyia coronata in 1817. It was subsequently reclassified by Lafresnaye in 1842 under the Harpyphaliatus genus and was renamed Harpyhaliatus coronatus. At the time, the Solitary Eagle (Buteogallus solitarius) was considered to be a subspecies of Harpyhaliatus coronatus until phylogenetic analyses of their DNA showed that they are, in fact, sister species. These analyses also indicated that another species, the Great Black Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus), is also a sister species. They were all reclassified under the Buteogallus genus.
- Scientific name
- Buteogallus coronatus
- Authority
- (Vieillot, 1817)
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Genus
- Buteogallus
Range and habitat
This bird is endemic to the Americas and can be found in eastern and central South America. It is present in southern and central Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and its range extends to Northern Patagonia in Argentina. The status of the Chaco Eagle is uncertain in Uruguay, where it hasn't been seen in decades and is believed to be extinct. It has been extirpated from portions of its historical range and is found in very low density throughout its range, making it one of the rarest and most threatened raptors in the Neotropical region. Only 250-999 mature individuals are left, while the total individual count of the species reaches 375-1499 birds.<p>The Chaco Eagle can be found in semi open habitats such as open mixed grasslands, brushlands, savannahs, marshes and open woodlands. Also, the presence of large trees in the habitat is very important for the Chaco eagle since they are used for nesting.<p>The Chaco Eagle is considered endangered. Its population is declining, a trend that is most likely due to human activities. The Chaco Eagle populations are affected by many threats, including habitat degradation, collisions with human structures and persecution. An example of the latter would be in Argentina, where Chaco Eagles are still killed due to the belief that they attack livestock. Between 1999 and 2014, 30 Chaco Eagles were brought to a rehabilitation center after they had been shot to protect livestock. For such a small population, this can have a great impact on the species’ chances at survival. This persecution attracted the attention of conservation groups, which lead to the creation of a national plan of plan of conservation for the Chaco Eagle in Argentina, the only country to do so so far. Another important factor is the electrocution of Chaco Eagles by power poles, which also has a sizeable impact on their populations. This is also a common problem that unfortunately affects many raptors.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Ecuadorian Tapaculo
Scytalopus robbinsi
Rare and endangered tapaculo found only in a small area of wet foothill rainforest in the Andes of southwestern Ecuador. Plumage is mostly gray with a brown belly that has dark barring. Rump, nape, and wings may also be brown, and more so on female. Similar to female Blackish Tapaculo, but has barring on lower underparts and a different voice, and is found at lower elevations. Stays near the ground in dense, dark forest understory where it is very hard to see. Song is a very long series of notes that starts rather slow, but soon accelerates into a rapid “peter-peter-peter…”
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeus
Medium-sized owl, more frequently seen in the daytime than other owls. Especially active around dawn and dusk, when it flies lazily over open fields or marshes in search of small mammals. Varies across a wide range, with Galapagos birds being the darkest. Brown overall, palest on belly, with streaks and spots on wings and chest. Large pale patch near the wingtips easily visible in flight. Rarely heard vocalizing away from breeding grounds, where it makes a low series of hoots and a variety of harsh barking noises.
Luzon Rail
Lewinia mirifica
A mysterious medium-sized rail, possibly of foothill or montane grassy areas and forests. Dark brown above with a pale gray chest, a whitish throat, a barred belly, blackish legs, and a fairly long, curved reddish bill. Little known in life and mainly seen at a banding station, suggesting local migration. Similar to Slaty-breasted and Buff-banded Rails, but Luzon has a fairly unpatterned back, a longer, thinner bill, and no rufous on the head. Voice little known, although when distressed, gives a sharp “kwik!” and various squeals.
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