The Black Hawk-Eagle is a large species of raptor found in parts of Central and South America. They are found in lowland tropical forest habitat.
Black Hawk-Eagles feed on mammals, like squirrels, bats, and monkeys, as well as other bird species, including chachalacas. They most often hunt prey from a perched position.
The Black Hawk-Eagle can be recognized by its dark head crest and mostly black body plumage. It has a rounded tail with broad grey stripes; there is fine striping on the underwings and legs as well. Males and females look alike, though females are larger. Young birds have a paler plumage.