AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NTInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Near Threatened — close to qualifying as Vulnerable. Requires ongoing monitoring.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Spizaetus ornatus
Ornate hawk-eagle
(Daudin, 1800)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Spectacular raptor with a prominent black crest, barred white breast, and chestnut cheeks.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Águila elegante
Ornate Hawk-EagleÁguila de copete
Gavião-de-cristaTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Accipitriformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Accipitridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Spizaetus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Daudin, 1800)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Wet Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits dense tropical rainforests and mountain forests from sea level.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Ambush hunter that uses its agility to fly through dense foliage.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally seen in pairs; they are territorial and perform noisy display flights.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Carnivore; hunts medium-sized birds, small mammals, and reptiles.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Apex predator that maintains the population balance of other birds and mammals.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
They build massive nests in the tallest trees; incubation lasts about 48 days.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
58.0 - 67.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
800 g - 1.60 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
36 - 48 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
45 - 50
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 20 Years
Females15 - 20 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
The male is smaller than the female but possesses equally vibrant colors.
Females Multi-lang
The female is notably heavier and larger, with more powerful claws.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Its wings are broad and rounded for precise maneuvering in closed forest.
Erectile crest used for visual communication and to break its silhouette among leaves.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Fragmentation of primary forest and direct persecution.
Loss of prey due to degradation of the jungle ecosystem.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is capable of hunting prey twice its own size, such as guans or small monkeys.
Unlike other eagles, its flight is exceptionally silent, similar to that of owls.