Crane Hawk vs Great Black Hawk

In short

The Crane Hawk and Great Black Hawk can be distinguished by their leg color and tail pattern. Crane Hawks have distinctive long, slender, reddish legs and a banded black-and-white tail, while Great Black Hawks have yellow legs and a mostly black tail with a single white band near the tip.

Identification tips

• Look for reddish legs on the Crane Hawk versus yellow legs on the Great Black Hawk.
• Note the tail pattern: Crane Hawks have a banded tail, while Great Black Hawks have a mostly black tail with a single white band.
• Observe the plumage color: Crane Hawks are gray with barring, Great Black Hawks are predominantly black.
• Consider the size: Great Black Hawks are larger and bulkier.
• Watch for behavior: Crane Hawks use their legs to extract prey from crevices, a behavior not seen in Great Black Hawks.

Size

The Great Black Hawk is generally larger and bulkier than the Crane Hawk.

Plumage

Crane Hawks are typically light gray with darker gray barring below, while Great Black Hawks are predominantly black. Both species have a white band on the tail, but the Crane Hawk's tail is more distinctly banded.

Behaviour

Crane Hawks are known for their unique ability to extract prey from crevices using their flexible legs, whereas Great Black Hawks often forage on the ground or in shallow water.

Habitat

Both species are found near water, but Crane Hawks favor wooded swamps and forested areas, while Great Black Hawks are more generalist and can be found in various habitats near water.