Bird Guide

Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle vs Black Hawk-Eagle

Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus melanoleucus)

Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle

Spizaetus melanoleucus

Large850 gForest

As its name suggests, this is a black and white eagle, resembling the small typical eagles sometimes separated in "Hieraaetus". It is some 20–24 in (51–61 cm) long overall and weighs about 30 oz (850 g). The head, neck and body are white; a small crest forms a black spot on top of the head, and the area around the eyes, particularly towards the bill, is also black. The wings are black with a noticeable white leading edge, and the bird has a brownish tail barred black-dark grey and with white tip.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Kai Squires · CC BY 4.0
Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus)

Black Hawk-Eagle

Spizaetus tyrannus

Large1.0 kgForest

The black hawk-eagle is 58–70 cm (23–27.5 in) long and weighs about 900 to 1,300 grams (2.0 to 2.9 pounds). It has black plumage with varying patterns on its wings and body, and white speckling in places. It has barred wings, slightly elliptical in shape, and a long, narrow tail which is rarely fanned. The four grey bars on the tail are distinctive to the black hawk-eagle, as is the white line seen slightly above the bird's eye. While flying, the broadness and shortness of the wings become apparent. While in flight, the bird's tail is typically kept closed.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Black Hawk-Eagle
Recorded by Rosa Elena Albornoz · Flight call · San Antonio De Los Altos, Los Salias, Miranda, Venezuela · CC0
Photo: http://www.birdphotos.com · CC BY 3.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle and Black Hawk-Eagle.