The Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) is a lraptor with broad wings and short tail. Fairly common and widespread in South America, from high elevations in the Andes of Colombia to the lowlands in Tierra del Fuego. Adults have a dark gray head and breast contrasting with a white belly. Wings are silvery-gray from above; from below, the coverts are white contrasting with dark flight feathers. Note the shape in flight with bulging secondaries, tapered wingtips, and a very short tail. Young birds are brown and streaky, tricky to distinguish from Variable Hawk. Look for bulkier shape and shorter, more graduated tail.
- Conservation Status : Least concern
- Habitat : Mountains, Paramo (High-altitude Grassland)
- Class: Aves
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Accipitridae
- Genus: Geranoaetus
Diet
Small mammals, birds, and carrion.
Colors
Dark gray with black chest.
Fun Facts
One of the largest birds of prey in South America.
Gallery
Map
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