Changeable Hawk-Eagle Bird Details
Nisaetus cirrhatus
Changeable Hawk-Eagle,Crested Hawk-Eagle, Indian Hawk-Eagle;
Badalney-wala Baaz
Carolus Linnaeus (1758)
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Nisaetus
India (Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Himalayan foothills, central India, and the northeastern states, Kanha, Jim Corbett, and Bandhavgarh), Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Appearance :
Medium to large raptor with a prominent crest on the head. Plumage is highly variable, ranging from dark brown to lighter shades with streaked underparts. Yellow eyes, a powerful hooked bill, and sharp talons. The changeable nature of its plumage is what gives the species its name.
Behaviour :
Solitary and territorial. Powerful hunter, known for its agility in flight while chasing prey. Often perches in open areas, waiting for potential prey. Known for its dramatic swooping dives when attacking prey.
Habitat :
Found in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas. Prefers dense forests but is adaptable to other habitats near water bodies or open clearings.
Diet :
Carnivorous, preying on birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Known to hunt medium-sized animals such as hares, squirrels, and jungle fowl.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of Indonesia. Found in a range of elevations, from sea level to higher forested areas.
Population Size :
Population size is not well-documented but considered stable.
Life Span :
Approximately 15-25 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Medium to large-sized raptor with a robust body and strong legs. Known for its prominent crest and the "changeable" nature of its plumage.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 8-9 cm (varies slightly based on individual and sex).
Head And Bill :
- Head: Large head with a pronounced crest of feathers, giving it a distinctive appearance. The eyes are bright yellow, giving it a fierce look.
- Bill: Hooked, sharp bill adapted for tearing into prey.
- Bill length: 3.5-4 cm.
Length :
Ranges from 60-75 cm from head to tail.
Neck :
Short and muscular, aiding in the bird's hunting and feeding behavior.
Size :
Medium to large raptor, slightly larger than other hawk-eagles.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Long, rounded tail with dark bars that help with maneuverability during flight.
- Tail Length: Tail length is around 25-30 cm.
- Feathers: Highly variable plumage. Dark brown or blackish with lighter underparts, and streaks along the chest and belly. The crest feathers are often raised during displays or when excited.
Weight :
Weighs between 1.6 to 2.5 kg.
Wing :
Broad wings with slightly rounded tips, adapted for soaring and rapid maneuvering during hunts.
Wing Span :
Approximately 120-160 cm (1.2 to 1.6 meters), allowing for powerful, agile flight.
Facial Feature :
The face features bright yellow eyes, a strong hooked beak, and a prominent crest, which can be raised or lowered.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is a large platform made of sticks and branches, typically placed high in tall trees or cliffs.
- Nest Made Up Of: Primarily constructed from twigs, branches, and sometimes lined with softer materials like leaves or grass.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season typically occurs from December to April.
Nesting Season :
Nesting typically begins around December, with chicks hatching between January and March.
Egg Color :
Generally white to pale blue, with occasional brown or grey spots.
Egg Length :
Approximately 5-6 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Length: Approximately 5-6 cm.
- Egg Width: Around 4-5 cm.
- Egg Weight: Approximately 100-120 grams.
Clutch Size :
Usually consists of 1 to 2 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Typically one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
About 45 days
Nestling Period :
Chicks remain in the nest for about 70-80 days before fledging.
Vocalization :
Vocalizations include a series of loud, harsh calls, especially during the breeding season or when defending territory.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
Primarily a resident species, not known for long-distance migration. However, it may move locally in search of food or suitable nesting sites.
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