The Cuban black hawk is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is endemic to Cuba and several outlying cays.
Region
Greater Antilles (Cuba)
Typical Environment
Found throughout coastal Cuba and adjacent cays, especially where mangrove forests, tidal creeks, and coastal lagoons are present. It perches on exposed snags or mangrove roots to scan mudflats and shallow waters. Nests are typically placed in mangrove trees near quiet channels. Inland occurrences are rare and usually follow large wetland systems.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Cuban black hawk is a coastal raptor specialized for life in mangroves, where it frequently hunts land crabs along tidal flats. It is closely related to the common black hawk but is restricted to Cuba and nearby cays. Its presence is a good indicator of healthy mangrove ecosystems, and habitat loss is its main threat.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with broad wings, interspersed with short flapping bursts
Social Behavior
Generally seen alone or in pairs, maintaining territories along mangrove-lined shores. Pairs build sturdy stick nests in mangroves and often reuse sites. Clutches are small, typically one to two eggs, and both adults share incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, whistled calls and thin piping notes, often delivered from a perch over the mangroves. Alarm calls are sharper and repeated, especially when intruders approach the nest.
Plumage
Mostly sooty-black to very dark brown with broad wings and a short, rounded tail showing a bold white band and narrow white tip.
Diet
Primarily takes crabs, which it captures on exposed mudflats or among mangrove roots. It also eats small fish, amphibians, reptiles, and occasional carrion. Prey is often carried to a perch and torn apart with the bill.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along mangrove edges, tidal creeks, and shallow estuaries, where prey is concentrated at low tide. Frequently forages from low perches, dropping to the ground or water’s edge to seize prey.
