Black Hawk-Eagle
Spizaetus tyrannus
The black hawk-eagle, also known as the tyrant hawk-eagle, is a species of eagle found from central Mexico through Central America into the south of Brazil to Colombia, eastern Peru, and as far as northern Argentina. There are two known subspecies, S.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_hawk-eagle
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Accipitriformes
Family
Accipitridae
Genus
Spizaetus
Black Hawk-Eagle belongs to the family Accipitridae, order Accipitriformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
The black hawk-eagle, also known as the tyrant hawk-eagle, is a species of eagle found from central Mexico through Central America into the south of Brazil to Colombia, eastern Peru, and as far as northern Argentina. There are two known subspecies, S.t. tyrannus, which is found in Southeastern Brazil and Northeastern Argentina, and the slightly smaller S. t. serus, which can be found elsewhere throughout the species' range. Its preferred habitats include humid and moist forests close to rivers, and several types of woodland. It is uncommon to fairly common throughout most of its range. Its closest relative is the ornate hawk-eagle, which is similar in size, appearance and behavior but lives at lower elevations.
The Black Hawk-Eagle faces significant pressure from widespread deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its range in Central and South America. Large-scale agricultural expansion, logging operations, and human encroachment have reduced and isolated suitable forest habitats, while the species' position as an apex predator makes it particularly vulnerable to ecosystem disruption and prey depletion.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits primary and secondary tropical rainforests, cloud forests, and woodland areas from sea level to approximately 2,400 meters elevation. Prefers dense forest canopy and edge habitats with adequate prey availability, including both lowland and montane forest ecosystems.
Threats
Agricultural expansion
Deforestation and habitat loss
Habitat fragmentation
Human disturbance and persecution
Logging and forest degradation
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/black-hawk-eagle