Spizaetus isidori
The Black-and-chestnut Eagle, *Spizaetus isidori*, is a magnificent raptor of the Neotropical montane forests, renowned for its striking plumage and powerful presence. Adults typically measure 60-80 cm (24-31 in) in length with a wingspan of 147-180 cm (4.8-5.9 ft) and weigh between 1.6-2.7 kg (3.5-6.0 lb). Its most distinctive field marks include a glossy black head, back, and upper chest, sharply contrasting with a rich rufous-chestnut belly, thighs, and underwing coverts. The flight feathe...
Found primarily in humid montane cloud forests and pre-montane forests, typically at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,700 meters.
Its diet consists mainly of medium-sized birds such as toucans, guans, and chachalacas, as well as small to medium-sized mammals like squirrels, opossums, and monkeys, often ambushed from a hidden perch.
The Black-and-chestnut Eagle is a diurnal raptor, spending much of its day soaring majestically on thermal currents or perch-hunting from tall emergent trees within its forest home. It is a solitary bird, usually observed alone or in breeding pairs that defend large territories. Foraging involves...
The Black-and-chestnut Eagle is a resident species distributed along the Andes mountain range in South America. Its breeding range extends from western Venezuela and Colombia, south through Ecuador and Peru, into Bolivia, and reaching as far as northwestern Argentina. This distribution is highly ...
Endangered
- The Black-and-chestnut Eagle is one of the largest and most powerful hawk-eagles of the Neotropics. - Its dramatic plumage change from a mostly white juvenile to a striking black and chestnut adult can take several years. - This species is considered an indicator of healthy, intact cloud forest...