Attractive chunky hawk of marshes and wetlands. Usually seen perched quietly near water, waiting to swoop down and snatch fish or frogs. Adult is distinctive, with mostly orange plumage and a whitish head (black collar is often hard to see). Immature is brownish overall, duller than the adult, but with a similar pattern.

Habitats & Distribution

The Black-collared Hawk primarily inhabits freshwater wetlands, such as marshes, swamps, and the edges of rivers and lakes. It is commonly found in areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and slow-moving or still water, which provide ample hunting grounds for its diet of fish and other small aquatic creatures. This raptor can also be spotted near mangroves and occasionally in flooded savannas and forested wetlands, adapting well to a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Geographically, the Black-collared Hawk is widely dispersed across Central and South America. Its range extends from southern Mexico, through Central American countries like Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, and down into South American nations such as Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. This species tends to thrive in lowland tropical and subtropical regions, where the climate and habitat conditions are most favorable.

Behaviours & Reproduction

The Black-collared Hawk exhibits solitary and territorial behavior, especially evident during the breeding season. These raptors construct large stick nests lined with leaves and twigs, typically situated near water bodies. They engage in elaborate courtship displays, which include soaring flights and acrobatic maneuvers, vocalizations, and mutual nest building. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks, demonstrating strong biparental care. These hawks usually lay 1 to 2 eggs, with an incubation period of about 30 to 35 days. Fledging occurs 7 to 9 weeks after hatching, but the young may remain with the parents for a considerable period before becoming fully independent.

Diet

Fish, Lizards, Snails, Rodents, Fish, Lizards, Snails, Rodents

Colors

The Black-collared Hawk is named for the wide, dark "collar" at the base of its throat. It has a streaked, off-white head, and beautiful rusty-chestnut feathers speckled with black on much of its body. It has dark eyes and a dark beak and its lower legs are featherless and pale gray.

Fun Facts

Note rather pale, dull pinkish legs and feet (yellow or orange on most other hawks). In flight looks very broad winged and short tailed.

Conservation Status & Efforts

The Black-collared Hawk is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it does not face immediate risk of extinction. Population trends are considered stable, although precise data is limited. Primary threats to this species include habitat destruction due to deforestation and human encroachment, especially in the Amazon Basin where urban development and agriculture continue to expand. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, particularly within protected areas and national parks that cover significant portions of its range. Environmental organizations are also working to promote sustainable land use practices that reduce deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Additionally, community-based conservation initiatives aim to raise awareness about the species and involve local populations in preservation activities. Monitoring programs are being implemented to gather more comprehensive data on population dynamics and ecological requirements.