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HAWK-EAGLES (GENUS SPIZAETUS)

(3 species). Fairly large crested raptors of humid forest.

Most often seen in flight, especially between 10:30 a.m. and noon, when morning thermals are strongest

before cloud buildup. Like many tropical raptors, juvs. seen very infrequently.

BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE  Spizaetus melanoleucus 51–64cm, WS

117–142cm. Scarce eagle of humid forest, mostly seen in flight, especially in

mid–late morning. Soars and glides on flattish wings, although tips sometimes

curled up; tail slightly spread when soaring. Hunts by stooping from

considerable heights. Relatively long-winged and short-tailed compared to

other hawk-eagles, and can suggest much smaller Short-tailed Hawk. Also note

white head with black lores and striking, diagnostic white leading edge to

upperwing, which shows well at long range when birds bank and wheel; short,

spiky black crest apparent with good views. Cf. Short-tailed Hawk (p. 120),

imm. Gray-headed Kite, imm. Ornate Hawk-Eagle (very rarely seen soaring). 1st-year similar to adult but

browner above, tail bars narrower (4–5 dark bars vs. 3–4 on adult); attains adult appearance in 2nd year.

SOUNDS: Calls infrequently, unlike other hawk-eagles. Piercing to piping whistles in flight suggest Ornate

Hawk-Eagle in quality, but have steadier rhythm: even-paced to slightly accelerating series may end with

a more emphatic, at times disyllabic whistle, whee whi-whi-whi-whi whee-eer, and variations. STATUS: Scarce

on both slopes, especially foothills, to 1500m. (Mexico to S America.)

ORNATE HAWK-EAGLE  Spizaetus ornatus 56–69cm, WS 117–142cm. Spec­

tacular, fairly large eagle of humid forest. Soars often in mid–late morning,

when usually detected by far-carrying whistled calls. Soars on flattish wings, tail

slightly spread; wingbeats deep and powerful. In display, climbs with deep

floppy wingbeats and stoops with wings closed, almost somersaulting at times.

Perches mainly in subcanopy, where can be quite confiding or curious. Perched

adult virtually unmistakable (cf. imm. Gray-bellied Hawk, p. 128), but more

often seen high overhead, when looks rather uneventful and best identified by

voice: note rather plain underwings, bold tail banding, white throat contrasting

with rusty head sides. 1st-year rarely seen but distinctive, with barred flanks, white head with blank face,

long spiky crest; 2nd-year like adult but averages duller and messier; attains adult appearance in 3rd year.

Cf. Hook-billed and Gray-headed Kites, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle. SOUNDS: Far-carrying piping

whistles, often repeated tirelessly when soaring, typically with a pause after 1st note and overall a

distinctive, slightly stuttering cadence: whi, whee-whee-wheep, wh, whi, whee-whee-wheep..., and variations.

Unlike Black Hawk-Eagle, introductory series more hurried and last note not drawn out. Perched juv. has

loud clear whistle, repeated, wheeeu. STATUS: Uncommon to scarce on both slopes, especially in foothills;

locally to 2000m. (Mexico to S America.)

BLACK HAWK-EAGLE  Spizaetus tyrannus 61–74cm, WS 127–155cm. Specta­

cular, fairly large eagle of humid forest and edge, plantations; more tolerant of

cut-over and second-growth forest patches than other hawk-eagles, and usually

the most frequently encountered hawk-eagle. Soars often in mid–late morning,

when usually detected by far-carrying whistled calls. Soars on flattish wings, tail

slightly spread; wingbeats deep and powerful. In display, soars with tail closed,

wing-tips quivering. Perches mainly in subcanopy and at edges. Perched adult

spectacular and distinctive, with golden eyes, bushy white-based crest, boldly

barred leggings, long tail. 1st-year distinctive, with bushy crest, broad black

mask, heavily barred underparts; 2nd-year like adult but averages messier, with scattered whitish flecking on

head and underparts; attains adult appearance in 3rd year. Cf. Hook-billed Kite, Ornate Hawk-Eagle.

SOUNDS: Far-carrying piping whistles, often repeated tirelessly when soaring. Loud, clear, overslurred

whistle, often preceded by 1 or more shorter whistles not always audible at a distance, wheéoo or wh-wheéoo;

also whi-whi whi-wh-wh-wheéoo and variations. Imm. has steady ringing whistles, whee whee..., perched and

in flight, and perched adult may give single weeoo. STATUS: Uncommon to fairly common on both slopes,

especially in foothills; locally to 2000m. (Mexico to S America.)