COMMON BLACK HAWK

The Common Black Hawk, scientifically known as *Buteogallus anthracinus*, is a striking bird of prey recognized for its broad wings and short tail, which is prominently banded with a single wide white band against a dark background. Adult birds display an overall dark plumage with a strikingly hooked yellow beak, yellow legs, and bright yellow feet, adding a touch of color to their otherwise monochromatic appearance. Immature hawks exhibit a more mottled brown coloration, which gradually darkens as they mature. Common Black Hawks are typically found near water sources, and their diet primarily consists of small vertebrates, such as fish, frogs, and crustaceans, as well as insects and small mammals.

A unique quality of the Common Black Hawk is its specialized hunting technique, where it often wades into shallow water to capture prey, showcasing its adaptability and skill in aquatic environments. This bird is significant to Bisbee, AZ, due to its role in maintaining the health of local ecosystems by controlling populations of small aquatic creatures and insects. Additionally, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts are drawn to the area to catch a glimpse of this majestic raptor, known by other names such as the Mangrove Black Hawk or Mexican Black Hawk, contributing to eco-tourism in the region.