Spizaetus tyrannus serus

(Friedmann, 1950)

Vernacular names
English : Black hawk-eagle
French : Aigle tyran

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Accipitridae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
The species can grow to 71 cm in length for a weight of 1.1 kg and a wingspan of 145 cm. Unmistakable. Plumage mostly dark brownish-black with rows of white spotting on lower belly and legs. Small black and white erected crest.

Range and habitat
The subspecies occurs in Central and South America, from south-east Mexico to Colombia, then from Ecuador to the Guianas, south to east and south-east Brazil. Other subspecies found in south Brazil and north Argentina. Lives in tropical semi-open forest and forest edges, even dense forests, to 3000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species remains relatively common but has suffered from deforestation and disturbance (even hunting) in parts of its range. It needs monitoring.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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