Cuban Black Hawk

 

The Cuban Black Hawk is endemic to the island of Cuba. It is mostly found along the coastlines near swamps and mangroves, in palm savannah and along roadsides. We have had the opportunity to observe many Cuban Black Hawk however none as photogenic as this one.

The Cuban Black Hawk is a large, broad-winged hawk of forests that can usually also be found hanging around resorts. The body of adult is entirely dark brown to black.

Differs from perched vultures in having feathered head plus yellow bill and legs.

The Cuban Black Hawk feeds on a number of different species. A high portion of its diet includes crabs, but it also feeds on centipedes, lizards, birds, and rats.

It is best distinguished in flight by bold white patches near end of wings and by its large size. In flight, the Cuban Black Hawk has broad wings and a shorter tail.