Puneet Varma (Editor)

Solitary eagle

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Kingdom
  
Genus
  
Higher classification
  
Harpyhaliaetus

Phylum
  
Chordata

Family
  
Scientific name
  
Buteogallus solitarius

Rank
  
Species

Solitary eagle Surfbirds Online Photo Gallery Search Results

Similar
  
Bird, Harpyhaliaetus, Buteogallus, Black‑and‑chestnut eagle, Accipitridae

The solitary eagle or montane solitary eagle (Buteogallus solitarius) is a large Neotropical eagle. It is also known as the black solitary eagle.

Contents

Solitary eagle Crowned Solitary Eagle Harpyhaliaetus coronatus Endangered Birds

Range and habitat

Solitary eagle httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu

The solitary eagle is native to Mexico and Central and South America. It is found in mountainous or hilly forests, at elevations between 600 m and 2,200 m. The frequent reports from lowlands are usually misidentifications of another species, usually the common black hawk or great black hawk; no reports from lowlands have been confirmed. It is rare in all areas of its range and poorly known. Very little is known about its diet, other than that it appears to have often been predating large snakes and one adult pair was seen hunting deer fawns. The remains of a chachalaca were noted in one nest.

Description

The adult solitary eagle is uniformly dark gray, often appearing black, with white markings on the tail. It is 63–76 cm (25 to 30 inches) long, weighs 2.75 kg (6 lbs), and has a 152–188 cm (60 to 74 inch) wingspan. It appears very similar to the common black hawk and great black hawk, but is much larger and has significantly broader wings, extending nearly to the tip of the tail. The exceptionally broad wings are one of the prime distinguishing characteristics of this species. Its body also has quite a thickset appearance.

The juvenile is mottled brown and tan, with markings around the eyes. It otherwise resembles the adult.

Relationships

Recent DNA studies have shown that the solitary eagle is closely related to the black-hawks.

Solitary eagle Solitary Eagle Harpyhaliaetus solitarius YouTube

Solitary eagle Solitary eagle in belize

Solitary eagle Crowned Solitary Eagle Harpyhaliaetus coronatus The Eagle Directory

References

Solitary eagle Wikipedia