Black-faced hawk

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Black-faced hawk
Leucopternis melanops - Black-faced hawk.jpg
Black-faced hawk at Presidente Figueiredo, Amazonas state, Brazil
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Leucopternis
Species:
L. melanops
Binomial name
Leucopternis melanops
(Latham, 1790)
Leucopternis melanops map.svg

The black-faced hawk (Leucopternis melanops) is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. This low-density species has traditionally been believed to be restricted to Amazon Basin north of the Amazon River, but there are several records south of this river, in, for example, the Brazilian states of Pará and Acre, and southeastern Peru. It is closely related to the white-browed hawk and individuals showing a level of intermediacy between the two species are known, suggesting that they rarely hybridize

Contents

Description

The black-faced hawk is a medium-sized hawk with black and white plumage. It has a white underbelly, a large white head streaked with some black and a characteristic black "mask". [2] Below the black mask, it has a dark orange cere and a black tipped bill. [2] The back of the hawk is dark all the way down to the tail with some mottling. However, a single white band sticks out near the base of the tail. [3]

Juvenile plumage resembles adult plumage except that juveniles have thinner streaks of black on the head, [3] two white bands instead of a single one in the tail, [2] [3] and brown at the tips of the feathers. [3]

The black-faced hawk adult looks very similar to the juvenile white-browed hawk. Both hawks have a white head streaked with black, a black face mask and white mottling on the back. [4] The key difference between the sister species is that there are two white bands in the tail of the juvenile white-browed hawk whereas there is only a single band in the adult black-faced hawk. [4] Additionally, at any age, L. melanops has a greater amount of white in the back compared to Leucopternis kuhli . [3]

Taxonomy

The genus Leucopternis currently is considered to contain 10 species of forest-dwelling hawks ranging from Argentina and Uruguay to Southern Mexico. [3] [5] L. kuhli is considered the sister species of L. melanops. Both hawks also happen to be the smallest members of their genus since their total length is < 40 cm. Analysis of mtDNA phylogenetic trees showed that there were three highly supported clades giving a polyphyletic relationship between the species of the genera Leucopternis, Buteogallus and Buteo. Within the Leucopternis lineage, L.melanops and L. kuhli were shown as a sister pair. [5] Gene flow and/or hybridization occurring between both species would explain the similar plumage patterns. [3]

Habitat and distribution

Despite the status of the black-faced hawk as being a rare to uncommon bird, it is widespread north of the Amazon River. Its occurrence south of the Amazon is controversial due to possible confusion with L. kuhli which occurs there. [2] However, the consensus on the range limits for L. melanops is from lowland Peru north of the Amazon and northeastern Ecuador to Venezuela, southern Colombia, Brazil north of the Amazon and the Guyanas. [3]

First sightings south of the Amazon

In 1931, Amadon (1964) [6] reported the first sighting of one L. melanops near the lower Tapajós River. This observation was the first indication that L. melanops and L. kuhli could co-occur and that the true range of L. melanops included the southern part of the Amazon. [5] However this sighting remains controversial due to the lack of similar sightings following this report and due to the morphological similarities between both species which could lead to a mistaken identification. [7]

Habitat

The black-faced hawk's preferred habitat is within the tall lowland forest of the Amazon. It may also reside amongst the forest edges, [8] along rivers and mangroves. [9]

Behaviour

The black-faced hawk prefers to remain under forest cover but due to its occurrence near the forest edge, it may perch there and commonly-so in the morning. [8]

Flight

It has not been seen soaring during flight. [2] Instead, it will glide shortly followed by fast wing beats. [10]

Vocalizations

The voice call is a piercing, acute and descending whistle: "KEEuuu" or "KEEler" or “KEEyer". [2] [9]

Diet

Very little information has been recorded on the diet of the black-faced hawk. Although it is assumed that the raptor must have a similar diet to that of the birds in its genus. snakes and other reptiles are the main prey of all Leucopternis species and hence possibly the main diet for the black-faced hawk as well. [8] [11] [7] [12]

Reproduction

Currently, no direct observations have been reported on the reproductive behaviour of the species. [13] However, it is assumed that this behaviour will resemble that of most species within the genus Leucopternis . Among this genus, raptors make a stick nest in the canopy of a tree and both parents share parental care by incubating the eggs for a period of five weeks. [10]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Accipitridae</span> Family of birds of prey

The Accipitridae is one of the three families within the order Accipitriformes, and is a family of small to large birds of prey with strongly hooked bills and variable morphology based on diet. They feed on a range of prey items from insects to medium-sized mammals, with a number feeding on carrion and a few feeding on fruit. The Accipitridae have a cosmopolitan distribution, being found on all the world's continents and a number of oceanic island groups. Some species are migratory. The family contains 255 species which are divided into 70 genera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Great black hawk</span> Species of bird

The great black hawk is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes the eagles, hawks, and Old World vultures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ornate hawk-eagle</span> Species of bird

The ornate hawk-eagle is a fairly large bird of prey from the tropical Americas. Formerly, some authorities referred to this species as the crested hawk-eagle, a name that may cause some confusion as it is more commonly used for an Asian eagle species. Like all eagles, it is in the family Accipitridae. This species has a feathered tarsus that marks it as a member of the Aquilinae or booted eagle subfamily. This species is notable for the vivid colors and bold markings of adults, which differ considerably from the far more whitish plumage of the juvenile bird. The ornate hawk-eagle ranges from central Mexico south through much of Central America and in a somewhat spotty but broad overall range into South America, including in the west apart from the Andes and broadly on the Atlantic side especially Brazil down to as far as Southeast Brazil and northern Argentina. This species is found largely in primary forests with tall trees, although can be found in many forest types.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black-chested buzzard-eagle</span> Species of bird

The black-chested buzzard-eagle is a bird of prey of the hawk and eagle family (Accipitridae). It lives in open regions of South America. This species is also known as the black buzzard-eagle, the gray buzzard-eagle, or analogously with "eagle" or "eagle-buzzard" replacing "buzzard-eagle", or as the Chilean blue eagle. It is sometimes placed in the genus Buteo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crested eagle</span> Species of bird

The crested eagle is a large Neotropical eagle. It is the only member of the genus Morphnus. The crested eagle can grow up to 89 cm (35 in) long, with a wingspan up to 176 cm (69 in), and weigh up to 3 kg (6.6 lb). The plumage varies between a light brownish-gray to sooty gray or even blackish in some cases. It has a white throat and a dark spot on the crest and a small dark mask across the eyes. It ranges extensively throughout Central and South America, but not in large numbers. favoring tropical lowland forest. A powerful predator, its diet consist mainly of small mammals, rodents, snakes and smaller birds. Despite their large distribution, they are currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, due mainly to habitat loss

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White-rumped hawk</span> Species of bird

The white-rumped hawk is a species of bird of prey in subfamily Accipitrinae, the "true" hawks, of family Accipitridae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela.

<i>Buteogallus</i> Genus of birds

Buteogallus is a genus of birds of prey in the family Accipitridae. All members of this genus are essentially neotropical, but the distribution of a single species extends slightly into the extreme southwestern United States. Many of the species are fond of large crustaceans and even patrol long stretches of shore or riverbank on foot where such prey abounds, but some have a rather different lifestyle. Unlike many other genera of raptor, some members are referred to as "hawks", and others as "eagles".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White-browed hawk</span> Species of bird

The white-browed hawk is a species of bird of prey in subfamily Accipitrinae, the "true" hawks, of family Accipitridae. It is found Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.

<i>Leucopternis</i> Genus of birds

Leucopternis is a Neotropical genus of birds of prey in the family Accipitridae. They are associated with tropical forest, and are uncommon or rare. Their plumage is largely black or gray above and white below, and they have distinctive orange ceres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White-necked hawk</span> Species of bird

The white-necked hawk is a Vulnerable species of bird of prey in subfamily Accipitrinae, the "true" hawks, of family Accipitridae. It is endemic to Brazil.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grey-backed hawk</span> Species of bird

The grey-backed hawk is an Endangered species of bird of prey in subfamily Accipitrinae, the "true" hawks, of family Accipitridae. It is found in Ecuador and far northern Peru.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mantled hawk</span> Species of bird

The mantled hawk is a South American species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barred hawk</span> Species of bird

The barred hawk is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It has also been known as the black-chested hawk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Semiplumbeous hawk</span> Species of bird

The semiplumbeous hawk is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, and Panama. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black-and-chestnut eagle</span> Species of bird

The black-and-chestnut eagle is a large South American species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is sometimes called Isidor's eagle. It is often placed in the monotypic genus Oroaetus. However, recent genetic testing indicates that this species is fairly closely related to Spizaetus species and thus the species should be included in that genus. Thd black-and-chestnut eagle is a typical forest raptor, hunting primarily small to medium-sized mamnals and birds and constructing a large nest in a tall tree. Unfortunately, the twin causes of habitat destruction and persecution, justified or not as an occasional poultry killer, have caused strong population declines and the black-and-chestnut eagle is considered to be an Endangered species by the IUCN.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black-and-white hawk-eagle</span> Species of bird

The black-and-white hawk-eagle is a bird of prey species in the eagle and hawk family (Accipitridae). It is found throughout a large part of tropical America, from southern Mexico to northern Argentina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black caracara</span> Species of bird

The black caracara is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae found in Amazonian and French Guiana lowlands, commonly along rivers. They are locally referred to as Ger' futu busikaka in the Republic of Suriname or juápipi {nẽjõmbʌ} by the Emberá of Panama and Colombia. Both these names refer to multiple bird species within Falconidae. German-Brazilian ornithologist Helmut Sick also referred to this species as gavião-de-anta, literally translating to "tapir-hawk".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cuban black hawk</span> Species of bird

The Cuban black hawk is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is endemic to Cuba and several outlying cays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Common black hawk</span> Species of bird

The common black hawk is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes the eagles, hawks, and vultures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gray hawk</span> Species of raptor

The gray hawk or Mexican goshawk is a smallish raptor found in open country and forest edges. It is sometimes placed in the genus Asturina as Asturina plagiata. The species was split by the American Ornithological Society (AOU) from the gray-lined hawk. The gray hawk is found from Costa Rica north into the southwestern United States.

References

  1. BirdLife International (2016). "Leucopternis melanops". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016: e.T22695757A93527051. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22695757A93527051.en . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Schulenberg, S.; Stotz, F.; Lane, F.; O'Neill, P.; Parker, T.A. III (2010). Birds of Peru: Revised and Updated Edition. Princeton Field Guides. Princeton University Press. ISBN   9781400834495. OCLC   705944514 via Muse.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Amaral, Fabio Sarubbi Raposo Do; Silveira, Luís Fábio; Whitney, Bret M. (2007). "New Localities for the Black-Faced Hawk (Leucopternis melanops) South of the Amazon River and Description of the Immature Plumage of the White-Browed Hawk (Leucopternis kuhli)". The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. 119 (3): 450–454. doi:10.1676/06-034.1. JSTOR   20456030. S2CID   86429176.
  4. 1 2 Shrum, Peggy L.; Bowerman, William W.; Olaechea, Diego Garcia; Amable, Richard (2011). "More Records of Sympatry of Black-faced Hawk (Leucopternis melanops) and White-browed Hawk (L. Kuhli) in Madre de Dios, Peru". Journal of Raptor Research. 45: 104–105. doi:10.3356/JRR-10-47.1. S2CID   85080889.
  5. 1 2 3 Do Amaral, Fabio; Miller, Matthewj; Silveira, Luís; Bermingham, Eldredge; Wajntal, Anita (2006). "Polyphyly of the hawk genera Leucopternis and Buteogallus (Aves, Accipitridae): Multiple habitat shifts during the Neotropical buteonine diversification". BMC Evolutionary Biology. 6: 10. doi: 10.1186/1471-2148-6-10 . PMC   1413559 . PMID   16464261.
  6. Amadon, D. 1964. Taxonomic notes on birds of prey. American Museum Novitates 2166:1. Retrieved from http://digitallibrary.amnh.org/handle/2246/3352
  7. 1 2 Barlow, J., T. Haugasen, & Peres C. (2002). Sympatry of the Black-faced Hawk and White-browed Hawk in the Lower Rio Tapajos, Para, Brasil. Cotinga, 18, 77–79. Retrieved from https://avibirds.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/zwartmaskerbuizerd1.pdf
  8. 1 2 3 "Black-faced Hawk – Introduction". neotropical.birds.cornell.edu. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  9. 1 2 Bierregaard, Richard O.; Boesman, Peter F. D.; Marks, Jeffrey S. (2020). "Black-faced hawk". Birds of the World. doi:10.2173/bow.blfhaw1.01. S2CID   243592026.
  10. 1 2 "Black-faced Hawk". oiseaux-birds.com. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  11. Del Hoyo, J., Elliot, A. & Sargatal, J. eds. (1994). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 2. New World Vultures to Guineafowl. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions
  12. Greeney, H. (2008). "Predation on Caecilians (Caecilia orientalis) by Barred Hawks (Leucopternis princeps) Depends on Rainfall". Herpetological Review. 39: 162–164 via Research gate.
  13. Bierregaard, Richard O. (1995). "The biology and conservation status of Central and South American Falconiformes: A survey of current knowledge". Bird Conservation International. 5 (2–3): 325–340. doi: 10.1017/S0959270900001076 .