Common Black-Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus, Falconiformes: Accipitridae) predating on a Spotted Snake-Eel (Myrichthys tigrinus, Anguiliformes: Ophictidae) in Costa Rica

Abstract

This article describes the observation of a common black hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus) preying on a spotted eel (Myrichthys tigrinus) at Pavones Beach, Costa Rica, constituting the first documented record of this species hunting a fish in the country. The author details the bird's behavior during the hunt, from its flight to the capture and transport of the prey, and explains that this behavior reflects the dietary adaptability of the common black hawk, which typically feeds on crabs but can change its diet depending on prey availability. The study suggests further investigation of the diet of this species on the beaches of southwestern Costa Rica to better understand its ecology and hunting habits.