Birds
Black-chested Buzzard-eagle
Geranoaetus melanoleucus · also called Andean eagle
Soaring high above open Andean and Patagonian terrain on broad, powerful wings, a black-chested buzzard-eagle scans the ground for rabbits and rodents, one of the largest and most eagle-like birds of prey found anywhere in South America.
Overview
The black-chested buzzard-eagle, Geranoaetus melanoleucus, is a Least Concern bird of prey native to mountain and grassland habitat stretching along the length of the Andes and across Patagonia. Its large size, powerful soaring flight, and exceptionally broad elevational range make it one of the more physically imposing and ecologically successful raptors found anywhere in South America.
An eagle in everything but name
Despite carrying the name buzzard-eagle and belonging to a genus more closely related to buzzards than true eagles, this species looks and behaves every bit like one of South America’s great birds of prey, soaring on broad wings across some of the continent’s most dramatic landscapes.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across its broad range in the Andes and Patagonia, despite localised persecution by farmers.
Black-chested Buzzard-eagle: common questions
How big is the black-chested buzzard-eagle?
This species is one of the largest birds of prey found anywhere in South America, with broad wings suited to soaring over open terrain in search of prey.
Is the black-chested buzzard-eagle a true eagle?
Not exactly, this species has a broad, powerful, eagle-like silhouette in flight, but is classified within a genus more closely related to buzzards than true eagles.
How does the black-chested buzzard-eagle hunt?
This species hunts mainly by soaring at considerable height over open grassland and mountain terrain, scanning for rabbits, rodents, and other small mammals before diving to strike.
Why does the black-chested buzzard-eagle sometimes come into conflict with farmers?
This species is occasionally persecuted by farmers due to a perceived threat to young livestock, despite feeding mainly on wild mammals rather than domestic animals.