Species profile
About this species
The Black-Chested Buzzard-Eagle is a large raptor found across South America, recognised by its striking black & white plumage & broad, powerful wings. It inhabits open & semi-open landscapes including grasslands, shrublands, & mountainous terrain, often soaring at considerable heights. As one of the most impressive birds of prey on the continent, it is a highly sought subject for wildlife photographers.
Open grasslands, shrublands, rocky mountainous terrain, & Andean plateaus across South America, typically at elevations ranging from lowland plains up to approximately 3200 metres above sea level.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Black-Chested Buzzard-Eagle with us in Colombia.
These departures are part of our South America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Midmorning to early afternoon during the dry season (May to October in Andean regions) when thermals are strongest & birds soar most actively. Clear days with light cloud cover provide excellent diffused lighting for flight photography.
Position yourself near ridge lines or cliff edges where thermals allow the bird to soar at eye level, giving cleaner background shots. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1600s to freeze wing movement during flight & capture sharp feather detail. Patience is essential - spend time observing flight patterns from a fixed position to anticipate the bird's trajectory & prepare your composition in advance.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Black-Chested Buzzard-Eagle
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.