The Black Hawk-eagle is distributed from Mexico through Central America and south to north-east Argentina and south-east Brazil although it seems to be missing from much of Venezuela. See the distribution map at xeno-canto. It is found in humid forest, along rivers and in secondary woodland.

When not soaring, which seems to be display behaviour often accompanied by clear whistling cries, it is usually to be found in the forest canopy where it perches while looking for prey. This consists of birds as large as chachalacas and toucans as well as small monkeys, squirrels, snakes and lizards.