Its closest relative is the ornate hawk-eagle, which is similar in size, appearance and behavior but lives at lower elevations.

It has barred wings, slightly elliptical in shape, and a long, narrow tail which is rarely fanned.

The four grey bars on the tail are distinctive to the black hawk-eagle, as is the white line seen slightly above the bird's eye.

[5][7] Though light and small compared to other eagles, this bird is a powerful predator that frequently hunts relatively large prey.

All known breeding pairs, both in the wild and in captivity, have laid single egg clutches and the estimating incubation period is 44 days.