EAGLES - in Belize

Very large birds.  They live inside the forest canopy & do not soar high above forest.

Solitary Eagle

Solitary Eagle

BELIZE HABITAT - Extensive tracts of primary broadleaf and pine forest in interior.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Apparent resident in Maya Mountains, and Mtn. Pine Ridge.  Few adequately documented records.

Crested Eagle

Crested Eagle

BELIZE HABITAT - Undisturbed primary broadleaf forest; stays beneath canopy.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Resident in remote areas of west Toledo, south of Cayo, and west of Orange Walk.

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Harpy Eagle

Black Hawk Eagle

Harpy Eagle

BELIZE HABITAT - Like the preceding, undisturbed primary broadleaf forest, including river-edge forest.  Stays beneath canopy.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Resident of remote areas, west and south of Toledo and south Cayo.

Black Hawk Eagle

Black Hawk Eagle - Uncommon, spectacular, crested eagle of lowland tropical forest. Most frequently seen soaring in mid-late morning; rarely seen perched. Gives loud, far-carrying whistles while flying, which often indicate its presence. Adult is black overall with bold white checkering under the wings and bold white bands on the tail. Immatures, although rarely seen, are browner with a white throat and crown. The short bushy crest is usually apparent only on perched birds and is not seen in flight.
BELIZE HABITAT - Occupies wider range of habitats than other two hawk-eagles, including open forest and pine woodland.  Often flies high above canopy.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Uncommon resident on mainland throughout.  The most common hawk-eagle in most of Belize.

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Ornate Hawk Eagle

Black & White Hawk Eagle

Ornate Hawk Eagle

Ornate Hawk Eagle - Uncommon, spectacular, crested eagle of tropical forest in the lowlands and foothills. Most frequently seen soaring in mid-late morning, but when hunting perches at all levels in the forest interior. Gives far-carrying, hiccupping whistles while flying, indicating its presence. Adult has orangish plumage on the side of its head and boldly barred underparts. The immature, although rarely seen, has a white head and white underparts with barring on the belly. The long and spiky crest is held flat in flight, but can be raised vertically on perched birds.
BELIZE HABITAT - Principally in primary broadleaf forest; occasionally in pine forest.  Soars above canopy.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Regular to locally uncommon resident north to central Orange Walk and central Belize; active nest recently located in Corozal.  Generally absent from coastal areas.

Black & White Hawk Eagle

Black & White Hawk Eagle - Rare but spectacular eagle of lowland tropical forest. Very rarely seen perched, when black mask, orange-yellow base of bill, and short black crest are distinctive. In flight appears bright white below with a white head and blackish upperparts. The diagnostic, white leading edge of the inner half of the wing contrasts with the black upperside and can be seen in flight at long range. Does not call much when flying, unlike Black and Ornate hawk-eagles. Adult similar to pale immature Gray-headed Kite, but is larger and has orange base to bill.
BELIZE HABITAT - Primary and old secondary broadleaf forest.  Frequently seen flying above canopy.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Uncommon to very uncommon resident away from coast north at least to central Orange Walk and central Belize; once in Corozal.  Most numerous in south Cayo and Maya Mountains.