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Birds of Zihuatanejo

CLASS AVES

-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.

Black-collared Hawk

Busarellus nigricollis

Diet

  • Primarily fish, which it captures by swooping down to the water's surface with its powerful talons.

  • Also feeds on frogs, aquatic snakes, crabs, crayfish, turtles, and occasionally large aquatic insects.

  • Hunts from exposed perches overlooking rivers, lakes, marshes, and lagoons.

Range

  • Found from southern Mexico through Central America and much of South America east of the Andes to northern Argentina.

  • In Mexico, it occurs mainly along the Pacific and Gulf coastal lowlands, including the Zihuatanejo region.

  • Inhabits freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes, swamps, mangrove lagoons, reservoirs, and other wetlands with abundant fish.

  • Generally a year-round resident throughout its range.

Male / Female

  • Male: Rich chestnut body, black hood and broad black chest band ("collar"), white tail with a broad black terminal band, and yellow facial skin and legs. Slightly smaller than the female.

  • Female: Nearly identical in plumage but typically larger and heavier, as is common in birds of prey.

  • Sexes cannot be reliably distinguished in the field except by size when seen together.

Size

  • Length: 51–58 cm (20–23 in)

  • Wingspan: 120–143 cm (47–56 in)

  • Weight: 700–1,100 g (1.5–2.4 lb)

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