Buteogallus gundlachii
The Cuban Black Hawk (Buteogallus gundlachii) is a striking medium-sized raptor endemic to Cuba and its surrounding cays, offering a unique blend of power and specialized adaptation. Adults are uniformly sooty black with broad wings, a short, square tail often tipped with white, and prominent yellow ceres and legs, distinguishing them from the similar Common Black Hawk by their overall darker plumage and less prominent white tail band. Measuring 43-53 cm in length with a wingspan of 100-120 c...
Primarily inhabiting coastal mangrove forests, estuaries, and low-lying wetlands, often venturing into adjacent forested areas or near freshwater bodies. Exclusively found at low elevations across the Cuban archipelago.
Specializes heavily in crabs (both marine and terrestrial), but also preys on small reptiles, amphibians, fish, and rodents. Forages by perch-hunting or walking along shorelines.
A diurnal raptor, the Cuban Black Hawk is often observed perched conspicuously on dead snags, exposed branches, or even walking along mangrove roots near water. Its primary foraging strategy involves patient perch-hunting, scanning for prey from elevated positions, followed by a swift, low flight...
The Cuban Black Hawk is an obligate resident endemic to the Republic of Cuba and its associated satellite islands and cays. Its distribution encompasses the main island of Cuba, including the entire coastline and suitable inland wetland areas, as well as the Isle of Youth (Isla de la Juventud) an...
Vulnerable
- The Cuban Black Hawk is Cuba's only endemic diurnal raptor, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. - It exhibits an unusual dietary specialization for a raptor, with crabs forming a significant portion of its diet. - Its genus name, Buteogallus, is derived from 'buteo' (Latin for buzzar...