Black-collared Hawk

The Black-collared Hawk is a distinctive raptor of freshwater wetlands across much of Latin America, from Mexico to Argentina. Closely tied to marshes, lagoons, and flooded grassland, it stands out among Neotropical raptors for its warm rufous-orange plumage and pale head.

Body feathers are a rich cinnamon-rufous, with a notably pale, creamy head contrasting sharply against the darker body, and a narrow black band of feathers crosses the upper breast, giving the species its name. Tail feathers are rufous with a dark subterminal band near the tip. Wings are broad and rounded, adapted to low, buoyant flight over open wetland habitat rather than fast pursuit.

Adults show rufous-orange body plumage, a pale creamy head, and a distinct black breast band, with little difference between the sexes. Juveniles are duller and more streaked overall, lacking the crisp adult pattern, and gradually acquire full adult coloration with maturity. There is no strong seasonal plumage variation in this largely resident species.

This hawk is closely tied to freshwater marshes, lagoons, flooded grassland, and mangroves from Mexico through Central and South America to Argentina. It is largely resident, remaining within suitable wetland habitat year-round.

It hunts fish and other aquatic prey from low perches over water, sometimes wading into shallows, and will also soar over wetland habitat in search of prey. It gives a nasal call and builds a stick nest close to water, reflecting its strong dependence on wetland ecosystems.