The black-faced hawk (Leucopternis melanops) is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.

[4] Additionally, at any age, L. melanops has a greater amount of white in the back compared to Leucopternis kuhli.

[3] The genus Leucopternis currently is considered to contain 10 species of forest-dwelling hawks ranging from Argentina and Uruguay to Southern Mexico.

Analysis of mtDNA phylogenetic trees showed that there were three highly supported clades giving a polyphyletic relationship between the species of the genera Leucopternis, Buteogallus and Buteo.

[5] Gene flow and/or hybridization occurring between both species would explain the similar plumage patterns.

[3] Despite the status of the black-faced hawk as being a rare to uncommon bird, it is widespread north of the Amazon River.

[10] The voice call is a piercing, acute and descending whistle: "KEEuuu" or "KEEler" or “KEEyer".