Black-collared Hawk

The Black-collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis)  Read in Spanish

Appearance: The Black-collared Hawk is a medium-sized raptor with a length of about 46-56 cm (18-22 inches) and a wingspan of around 102-114 cm (40-45 inches). It has a bold black collar on the back of its neck, contrasting with its predominantly white belly and chest. The upperparts are dark gray, and the wings are gray with black and white markings. The eyes are bright yellow.

Habitat: Black-collared Hawks inhabit a variety of wetland and aquatic habitats, including marshes, swamps, riverbanks, lakeshores, and flooded savannas. They are commonly found in lowland tropical forests, as well as more open areas with water sources.

Behavior: These hawks are often observed perched on low branches or hovering over water, scanning for prey such as fish, frogs, small mammals, and birds. They are known to plunge into the water to catch fish and other aquatic prey, displaying a unique hunting behavior compared to many other raptor species. Black-collared Hawks are relatively social birds and may be seen in pairs or small family groups.

Breeding: Breeding pairs of Black-collared Hawks build stick nests in trees, often near water bodies. They typically lay 2-3 eggs per clutch, with an incubation period of around 5 weeks. Both parents take part in nest-building, incubation, and caring for the young, which fledge after approximately 6-7 weeks.

Conservation Status: The Black-collared Hawk is generally considered to have a stable population throughout its range.