Busarellus nigricollis
This well marked hawk is quite common in the Ibera Marshes and is usually seen perched on a stalk above water. Sometimes it stands on the ground above a pond hunting for fish. It is also seen when the farmers are burning their cattle grazing areas, waiting for small mammals to emerge.
It has a triangular shape in flight with broad wings and a short black tipped tail. It measures appx. 45 cm in length (females can reach 50cm), overall rufous in colour with a white head, a black half collar and black primaries.
The legs are pale and very strong looking with large feet.
