Mountain Hawk-Eagle Bird Details
Nisaetus nipalensis
Mountain Hawk-Eagle,Himalaya Hawk-Eagle, Nepal Hawk-Eagle, Hodgson's hawk-eagle,;
Himalayi Baaz
Brian Houghton Hodgson, 1836
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Nisaetus
India (Himalayan regions), Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand.
Appearance :
The Mountain Hawk-Eagle is a medium-sized raptor with a distinctive appearance. It has a prominent crest, and its plumage is typically a combination of white, brown, and rufous. The back and wings are dark brown with white spots, while the underparts are white with brown streaks. The legs are feathered, and it has a powerful, hooked beak and sharp talons.
Behaviour :
Predominantly hunts small to medium-sized birds and mammals. It employs a sit-and-wait hunting strategy, often perching high to spot prey. Generally solitary outside of the breeding season. They are territorial and may defend their territory aggressively.
Habitat :
The Mountain Hawk-Eagle inhabits forested mountainous regions, often preferring areas with dense vegetation and tall trees. It is commonly found in subtropical and tropical montane forests.
Diet :
Primarily feeds on small to medium-sized birds, rodents, and sometimes reptiles. Its diet can vary based on availability of prey.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found in the mountainous regions of South Asia. Its range includes the eastern Himalayas and parts of the Indo-Malay region.
Population Size :
It is generally considered stable and not at immediate risk.
Life Span :
Live up to 15-20 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Mountain Hawk-Eagle is a robust, medium-sized raptor with a powerful build, characterized by a strong beak and sharp talons. Its body is well-adapted for a predatory lifestyle, featuring a sturdy frame and feathered legs.
- Tarsus Length: Typically around 7 to 8 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively large with a prominent crest of feathers, giving it a distinctive appearance. The eyes are large and keen, adapted for spotting prey from a distance.
- Bill: The bill is hooked and strong, adapted for tearing flesh.
- Bill Length: The length of the bill is about 2.5 to 3 cm.
Length :
The Mountain Hawk-Eagle measures approximately 55 to 70 cm in total length
Neck :
The neck is relatively short but robust, supporting the head and aiding in the bird's predatory activities.
Size :
Medium-sized compared to other eagles.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and tapered, aiding in maneuverability during flight. It features dark bands and a white tip.
- Tail Length: Approximately 25 to 30 cm.
Weight :
Typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 kg.
Wing :
The wings are broad and slightly rounded, which helps in soaring and gliding.
Wing Span :
Ranges from 120 to 150 cm
Facial Feature :
The Mountain Hawk-Eagle has a distinctive crest of feathers on its head, which can be more pronounced during courtship displays. Its facial features are adapted for keen vision, aiding in hunting and nest protection.
Nest Details :
- Nest Structure: The nest is large and bulky, built high in tall trees or on cliff ledges. It is constructed to be sturdy enough to support the weight of the adults and the growing chicks.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is composed of large sticks and branches, lined with finer materials such as leaves, grass, and feathers. It may also include various other materials collected by the birds, including animal remains.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period typically occurs from late winter to early summer, roughly between December and June
Nesting Season :
Nesting season coincides with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale blue or light brown with darker speckling or blotching, which provides camouflage in the nest.
Egg Length :
Eggs are approximately 4.5 to 5 cm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs is around 3.5 to 4 cm.
- Egg Weight: The weight of each egg is roughly 50 to 70 grams.
Clutch Size :
Typically, the clutch size is 1 to 2 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally, raises one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 42 to 45 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestling period, lasts about 8 to 10 weeks.
Vocalization :
The vocalizations of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle include a range of calls used for communication between mates and signaling territory. These calls can be described as high-pitched whistles, screeches, or a series of repetitive notes.
Sex Demorphism :
Females generally being larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
The Mountain Hawk-Eagle is mostly resident and does not migrate over long distances.
Explore More Birds Of Same Genus
