Spizaetus ornatus
The Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) is a strikingly beautiful and powerful medium-sized raptor endemic to the dense tropical and subtropical forests of the Neotropics. Adults typically measure 58-67 cm (23-26 in) in length with a wingspan of 100-124 cm (39-49 in) and weigh between 900-1600 g (2-3.5 lbs), with females generally being larger than males. Its distinctive appearance features a prominent black and white erectile crest, a dark brown to black back, and strikingly barred white u...
This raptor primarily inhabits dense tropical and subtropical evergreen forests, including humid lowland and montane foothills, typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to 1,800 meters.
The Ornate Hawk-Eagle primarily preys on medium-sized birds such as toucans, chachalacas, curassows, and doves, as well as arboreal mammals including monkeys, squirrels, and opossums, and occasionally reptiles; it hunts by ambush from a perch or by active pursuit through the forest.
The Ornate Hawk-Eagle is a diurnal and elusive predator, spending its active hours hunting within the forest canopy and sub-canopy. Its primary foraging strategy involves patient perch-and-pounce attacks, ambushing unsuspecting prey from concealed vantage points, though it can also engage in swif...
The Ornate Hawk-Eagle has a broad Neotropical distribution, extending from southern Mexico through Central America, and south across much of South America to northern Argentina and southeastern Brazil. Its breeding range covers humid tropical and subtropical evergreen forests, generally below 1,8...
Least Concern
- The Ornate Hawk-Eagle possesses incredibly powerful talons and leg muscles, allowing it to capture and carry prey that can be nearly its own body weight, including larger birds and monkeys. - Its striking crest is highly expressive, raised and lowered as a visual communication signal, especiall...