Rufous-bellied Eagle Bird Details
Lophotriorchis kienerii
Rufous-bellied Eagle,Kiener’s Eagle, Chestnut-Bellied Eagle;
Chiti Pankhi
Louis Ernest Gustave de Sparre, 1835
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Lophotriorchis
Appearance :
The Rufous-bellied Eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey with striking plumage. It has a distinctive rufous (reddish-brown) belly and a contrasting dark brown back and wings. Its head is pale with a white or light-colored throat. The eagle's talons and beak are strong and well-adapted for its predatory lifestyle.
Behaviour :
The Rufous-bellied Eagle is known for its solitary nature and is often seen perching on high vantage points such as tall trees or cliffs. It is an agile flier and hunts primarily during the day. The species is known for its impressive aerial displays during courtship and territorial disputes.
Habitat :
This eagle inhabits a variety of forested and wooded habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, often near rivers or large bodies of water. It prefers areas with dense vegetation where it can find suitable perching and hunting locations.
Diet :
The Rufous-bellied Eagle primarily feeds on small to medium-sized mammals, birds, and reptiles. Its diet may include small mammals like rodents and squirrels, as well as birds and occasionally amphibians.
Conservation Status :
Near Threatened
Distribution :
The Rufous-bellied Eagle is found in parts of South and Southeast Asia. Its range includes countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Population Size :
There are an estimated 1,000-10,000 individuals.
Life Span :
Live up to 15-20 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Rufous-bellied Eagle is a medium-sized raptor with a robust and powerful build, featuring a strong beak and talons adapted for hunting. The plumage is distinctive with a rufous belly and dark brown wings and back.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 7.5–9 cm (3–3.5 inches). The tarsus is the part of the leg between the knee and the foot, and it is covered in scaly skin.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small compared to the body size, with a pale coloration and a white or light-colored throat that contrasts with the darker upper parts.
- Bill and Bill Length: The bill is hooked and strong, typical of raptors, used for tearing flesh. The bill length is about 4.5–5.5 cm (1.8–2.2 inches).
Length :
The total body length of the Rufous-bellied Eagle ranges from 60 to 70 cm (24 to 28 inches).
Neck :
The neck is short and robust, providing support for the head and facilitating powerful movements during hunting and flight.
Size :
Medium-sized raptor.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and slightly rounded, helping with maneuverability and stability in flight. It is an important feature for steering and balance.
- Tail Length: Approximately 30–35 cm (12–14 inches).
Weight :
The Rufous-bellied Eagle weighs between 1.2 to 1.8 kg (2.6 to 4.0 pounds).
Wing :
The wings are broad and long, with a slightly rounded shape that aids in soaring and gliding. The wing shape is adapted for both high-speed flight and slow soaring.
Wing Span :
The wingspan of the Rufous-bellied Eagle ranges from 140 to 160 cm (55 to 63 inches).
Facial Feature :
The Rufous-bellied Eagle has a distinctive facial appearance with a relatively small head compared to its body size, a pale face, and a strong, hooked beak.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is usually built in tall trees or on cliffs, providing a secure location that offers a good vantage point and protection from potential predators.
- Nest Made Up Of: Nests are constructed from sticks and branches, often lined with softer materials such as leaves, feathers, and moss. The construction is quite robust to support the weight of the eggs and chicks.
Breeding Season :
Generally breeds between January and June.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season coincides with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically pale or light brown with darker speckles or spots.
Egg Length :
The length of the eggs ranges from approximately 5.5 to 6.5 cm (2.2 to 2.6 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs is about 4.5 to 5 cm (1.8 to 2.0 inches).
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 60 to 80 grams (2.1 to 2.8 ounces).
Clutch Size :
The usual clutch size is 1 to 2 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally raise one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 40 to 45 days
Nestling Period :
About 70 to 80 days before fledging.
Vocalization :
The vocalizations of this eagle include a range of calls, often sharp and high-pitched.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
Rufous-bellied Eagles are generally resident birds with limited migration.
Explore More Birds Of Same Genus
No birds of same genus found