Ornate Hawk-Eagle

Overview

The ornate hawk-eagle is a medium to large-sized bird of prey native to the tropical Americas and a member of the booted eagle subfamily. Notable for the vivid colours and bold markings of adults, which differ considerably from the far more whitish plumage of juvenile birds, the species is currently classified as Near Threatened.

Identification

• Adults possess a rufous cowl and bold black barring on a whitish base across the underparts, contrasting with blackish barred uppersides featuring white-tipped shoulders.
• A long, erectile crest is present on all ages, which may be laid flat, protrude like a spike, or hang in a curve.
• Juveniles lack the adult rufous collar and underside barring, appearing mostly white with thin black streaks on the crown and tip of the crest.
• In flight, the species displays short, broad, rounded wings with bulging secondaries and a deep, powerful flight pattern.

Habitat

Found largely in primary forests with tall trees, although it can occur in many forest types. Its range extends from central Mexico south through Central America and into South America, including much of Brazil and down to northern Argentina, while generally avoiding the Andes.

Diet

A diversified and exceptionally powerful predator, it takes a range of prey including various medium-to-large-sized birds, small-to-medium-sized mammals, and occasional reptiles.

Did you know?

The juvenile of the gray-bellied hawk strikingly resembles the ornate hawk-eagle, which is possibly a case of mimicry where a less powerful species mimics a more powerful one to mitigate potential predatory attacks.