Ornate Hawk-Eagle

The ornate hawk-eagle, a medium-to-large raptor, is a denizen of the tropical Americas. Its striking adult plumage, characterized by vivid colors and bold markings, contrasts sharply with the more subdued, whitish plumage of juveniles. This species is a member of the booted eagle subfamily, identifiable by its feathered tarsus.

Identification Tips

Adults exhibit a rufous cowl and pronounced barring below, with a long erectile crest that can be positioned in various ways to indicate the bird's mood. Juveniles are predominantly white with black streaks on the crown and crest tip. In flight, the species displays short, broad wings and a longish tail with three broad pale bands.

Habitat

The ornate hawk-eagle favors primary forests with tall trees, showing a preference for well-forested, wet or humid, tropical and subtropical environments. It is also found in cloud forests at higher elevations.

Distribution

This species ranges from central Mexico through much of Central America and into South America, including Brazil down to northern Argentina. It is largely sedentary, with some local dispersal.

Behaviour

The ornate hawk-eagle is a solitary or pair-living bird, maintaining territories through high circling and aerial displays. It is known for its powerful and agile flight, adept at navigating dense forest canopies.

Song & Calls

The ornate hawk-eagle's vocal repertoire includes loud piping whistles during flight, a series of excited laughing notes when perched, and various calls used for communication between mates and offspring, such as food begging calls by juveniles.

Breeding

Breeding involves high circling displays and mutual aerial acrobatics. The species typically lays a single egg in a large stick nest placed high in a tree. The breeding cycle is prolonged, with a lengthy post-fledging stage where juveniles depend on their parents.

Similar Species

The juvenile ornate hawk-eagle can be confused with the juvenile gray-bellied hawk, which may be a case of mimicry. Other similar species include the black hawk-eagle and the black-and-white hawk-eagle, but differences in plumage and size are usually distinctive.

Diet and Feeding

An opportunistic predator, the ornate hawk-eagle preys on medium-to-large birds, small-to-medium-sized mammals, and occasionally reptiles. It hunts by perch-hunting or engaging in tail chases, demonstrating remarkable agility in the forest.

Conservation Status

The ornate hawk-eagle is currently listed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss from deforestation and human persecution. Its population is estimated to be between 13,300 and 33,300 individuals, with declines noted across its range.