Birds · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle

Geranoaetus melanoleucus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The black-chested buzzard-eagle is one of the most widespread raptors in South America: it ranges from the Colombian Caribbean to Tierra del Fuego. It is heavily built and broad-winged, the adult slate grey on the back and breast, the juveniles brown and very different. It hunts rodents, hares, birds and reptiles, and uses the thermals of the Andean slopes to soar for hours. It is commonly seen perched on posts and cliffs on the Patagonian steppe.

Weight

1.7 kg – 3.2 kg

Size

62 cm – 76 cm

Lifespan

25 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

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Fun facts

Its silhouette in flight is unmistakable: the tail is so short and the wings so broad that at a distance it looks like a triangle, more like a vulture than an eagle.
Adults and juveniles are so different that for a long time they were described as separate species: the young bird is streaked brown and takes four years to acquire the adult's slate grey.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Mountains, steppe, arid scrub and open countryside of South America, from sea level to 4,500 m
Sexual maturity: 4 years
Gestation / incubation: 30 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 2 eggs

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geranoaetus_melanoleucus