The Ornate Hawk-Eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey that lives in tropical forests in Central and South America.
Ornate Hawk-Eagles are colorful raptors, with blackish upperparts and chestnut coloring around the side of the face and neck. The breast is white with strong black barring. Juveniles looked markedly different, having much more white or grey, especially around the face and neck. All birds have a prominent head crest.
The Ornate Hawk-Eagle is a very powerful bird, strong for its size. They can take prey items up to five times their own weight! They take other birds as prey, primarily.
The Ornate Hawk-Eagle is considered to be Near Threatened. They face habitat loss due to deforestation.