Black-and-chestnut Eagle

The Black-and-chestnut Eagle is a large, powerful raptor restricted to high-elevation montane forest along the Andes mountain range in South America. Its striking two-tone plumage, combining blackish upperparts with deep chestnut underparts, makes it one of the more visually dramatic raptors of its high-altitude habitat.

Rare and elusive across a naturally patchy range, this species depends on large tracts of intact Andean forest, and it is considered one of the more threatened large raptors in South America due to habitat loss.

• Head and upperparts are blackish overall, including a short crest on the crown
• Underparts are rich chestnut, extending across the breast, belly, and thighs, a solid color rather than barred
• Tail is long, blackish with pale gray bands, visible in flight and at rest
• Wings are broad and rounded, suited to soaring and maneuvering above steep Andean forest terrain
• Distinguished from the Ornate Hawk-Eagle by the blackish (rather than rufous) head and by solid chestnut (rather than barred black-and-white) underparts

Adults show the blackish head and upperparts paired with solid chestnut underparts described above, with females larger than males but similar in plumage, as typical for raptors. Juveniles differ substantially, appearing paler overall with a whitish head and underparts showing only a wash of buff, gradually darkening and developing the chestnut tones through successive molts over several years to reach adult plumage. There is no seasonal plumage variation in adults.

This species is restricted to high-elevation montane and cloud forest along the Andes, from Colombia and Venezuela south through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and into northern Argentina, typically at higher elevations than many other Neotropical eagles. It is resident and non-migratory, generally remaining within large forested territories, and its populations are naturally sparse and patchily distributed.

Black-and-chestnut Eagles hunt medium-sized mammals and birds, using powerful flight to surprise prey along forest edges and ridgelines. Nests are large stick platforms built high in tall trees, often used across multiple breeding attempts. The species gives loud, far-carrying calls during territorial and courtship displays, and pairs are known to perform soaring display flights above the forest canopy.