General

Common Black-Hawk: Large hawk, nearly all black with white patch just behind bill. Bill and feet are bright orange-yellow. Tail is black with single, thick white band and thin, white tip. Sexes are similar. Juvenile is brown-streaked with dark brown back, barred underwings, and finely banded tail.

Range and Habitat

Common Black-Hawk: Found in southwestern U.S., throughout Mexico, Central America, and northern South America to Guyana. Inhabit coastal lowlands of mixed savannah, dunes, ponds, lagoons and grasslands.

Breeding and Nesting

Common Black-Hawk: One to three white eggs, sometimes marked with brown, are laid in nest made of dry sticks and mistletoe. Nest is usually built within 500 feet of permanent flowing water and is typically constructed 60 to 120 feet above the ground. Incubation lasts for 38 to 39 days and is carried out both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Common Black-Hawk: Feeds on snakes, frogs, fish, young birds, and land crabs; may supplement diet with insects.

Vocalization

Common Black-Hawk: Call is a nasal, high-pitched cry alarm. Loud and hoarse whistles are common during nesting season.

Similar Species

Common Black-Hawk: Great Black Hawk is longer-legged and stockier, with white on upper-tail coverts. Zone-tailed Hawk has paler underwings and two thick white bands on tail.