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    Buteogallus

    They’re surprisingly aquatic (for raptors)

    A group of medium to large birds of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes hawks, eagles, and kites. Members of this genus are found primarily in the Americas, especially in Central and South America, with a few species extending into the southern parts of North America. What makes Buteogallus species particularly interesting is their adaptation to specific habitats, including wetlands, forests, and riverbanks, and their often unusual diets compared to other raptors. These birds are strong, broad-winged hunters, typically with robust builds, powerful talons, and keen eyesight—classic traits of a top predator.

    These birds are especially tied to riparian or wetland areas, where they can often be seen perched near rivers, streams, or mangroves, scanning for prey. Unlike many other hawks that rely primarily on small mammals or birds, several Buteogallus species feed on aquatic or semi-aquatic prey, including crabs, frogs, reptiles, fish, and even snails, depending on the species.

    Visually, members of this genus often have dark plumage, which may appear all black or dark brown, sometimes with lighter bands on the tail or wings. They have a stout, hooked beak adapted for tearing flesh and long, strong legs that are excellent for wading in shallow water or grabbing prey off the ground. The common black hawk, for instance, is known for its bold, slow wingbeats and steady gliding flight as it patrols waterways. It has a piercing, high-pitched call and is often seen soaring or perched high in trees near water, watching intently for its next meal.

    Some species, like the crab-hunting raptor Buteogallus aequinoctialis (the rufous crab hawk), have diets that are highly specialized—feeding almost exclusively on crabs in coastal mangroves. Their behavior is so adapted to this lifestyle that they can be seen wading in the mud, snatching up crustaceans with pinpoint accuracy. Also, the great black hawk gained unexpected fame in 2018 when one individual made a rare appearance in Maine, USA—thousands of miles from its usual tropical range. It drew birders from across the country and was nicknamed the “Maine Hawk.”