The Great Black Hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga) gets its name from its mostly black plumage and its scientific name, urubitinga, which comes from the Tupi language, meaning big black bird. The genus name Buteogallus combines Buteo (buzzard) and Gallus (junglefowl), referencing its hawk-like features and eagle lineage. A large, powerful, mostly black raptor, it hunts in or near water, specialising in crabs – a key food – frogs, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and even bats. It hunts by walking on the ground or in shallow water, using its strong feet and legs to grab prey, a distinct behaviour for a hawk. Adults are mostly black with a white-barred tail, while juveniles are brown and spotted. It is found in Mexico through Central America to northern Argentina, including Trinidad and Tobago, preferring watery habitats like mangroves, rivers, and swamps.
