-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

-Birds (Class Aves)

-Hawks, Eagles, Kites, and Allies (Order Accipitriformes)

-Hawks, Eagles, and Kites (Family Accipitridae)

-Buteonine Hawks, Kites, and Allies (Subfamily Buteoninae)

-Genus Busarellus

-Black-collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollisalbonotatus)

The Black-collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis) is a striking, medium-sized fish-eating raptor of tropical wetlands, rivers, and lagoons. It has a compact but powerful build, with broad wings and a relatively short tail, well suited for low, deliberate flight over water. Adults are easily recognized by the bold black collar across the upper chest and neck, which contrasts sharply with the white head and underparts; the upperparts are dark brown, and the wings show pale panels in flight. The eyes are yellow, and the heavy, hooked bill is adapted for grasping slippery prey. Black-collared Hawks are most often seen perched conspicuously near water or soaring slowly above rivers and marshes before dropping down to seize fish, which make up the bulk of their diet, though they also take crabs, frogs, and other aquatic animals.