Common Black Hawk
VU

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_black_hawk

Overview

The common black hawk is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes the eagles, hawks, and vultures.

The Common Black Hawk faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation, particularly the destruction of riparian forests and wetland ecosystems essential for its survival. Human development, water diversions, and agricultural expansion have fragmented its specialized habitat requirements, while pollution and climate change further impact prey availability and nesting success.

Threat summary

Habitat

Riparian forests, wooded canyons, and areas near permanent water sources including rivers, streams, ponds, and marshes, typically below 1,500m elevation. The species requires mature trees for nesting and adjacent wetlands or waterways that support abundant aquatic prey such as fish, frogs, and crustaceans.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Accipitridae

Crested EagleVU

Crested Eagle

Morphnus guianensis

Unknown
Semiplumbeous HawkVU

Semiplumbeous Hawk

Leucopternis semiplumbeus

Unknown
Eurasian Marsh HarrierVU

Eurasian Marsh Harrier

Circus aeruginosus

Unknown
Spotted EagleVU

Spotted Eagle

Aquila clanga

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Common Black Hawk classified as Vulnerable?
Common Black Hawk is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Common Black Hawk faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation, particularly the destruction of riparian forests and wetland ecosystems essential for its survival. Human development, water diversions, and agricultural expansion have fragmented its specialized habitat requirements, while pollution and climate change further impact prey availability and nesting success.
Where does Common Black Hawk live?
Common Black Hawk occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Common Black Hawk?
The main threats to Common Black Hawk are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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