Black-collared hawk

The black-collared hawk is a captivating bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family and is the sole species in the Busarellus genus. These striking hawks inhabit regions from western Mexico down to Uruguay, thriving in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and swamps.

Adult black-collared hawks are easily identifiable by their distinctive white and black plumage and their reddish-brown eyes, which contribute to their striking appearance. They prefer nesting in large trees near water sources, where the female typically lays three to five eggs.

In terms of diet, these hawks primarily prey on fish. Nonetheless, they also consume a variety of other prey, including water bugs, lizards, snails, and even rodents.

For their classification, the black-collared hawk was once grouped with bird families such as Buteogallus and Haliaeetus. Notably, their inner toe has fused basal phalanges, which may be an adaptation for more effective hunting. Molecular research shows that Busarellus is closely related to other buteonine hawks like Geranospiza and Rostrhamus, all within the broader Accipitridae family.