Nisaetus cirrhatus
The Changeable Hawk-Eagle, *Nisaetus cirrhatus*, is a magnificent and adaptable raptor, named for the striking variation in its crest across subspecies. Growing to an impressive length of 55-75 cm with a wingspan of 100-160 cm, females are typically larger than males. Adults display dark brown upperparts, a white throat, and white underparts heavily streaked or barred with rufous-brown. Juveniles are generally paler, often with buff or rufous wash on the head and underparts, and less streakin...
Found primarily in tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests, woodlands, and plantations, often near water sources. Occurs from lowlands up to moderate elevations, typically below 2,000 meters.
A versatile and opportunistic predator, its diet includes a wide array of birds (junglefowl, pheasants, pigeons, crows), small mammals (squirrels, rats, bats), reptiles (lizards, snakes), and amphibians, primarily caught through perch-and-pounce or aerial pursuit.
A diurnal hunter, the Changeable Hawk-Eagle typically roosts in tall, secluded trees, often at the forest edge. Its primary foraging strategy involves perch-hunting, where it patiently waits on a concealed branch for unsuspecting prey, before launching a rapid, powerful stoop or horizontal chase....
The Changeable Hawk-Eagle boasts an extensive resident range across tropical and subtropical Asia, encompassing the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its distribution spans from India and Sri Lanka eastward through Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Penin...
Least Concern
- The 'Changeable' in its name refers to the variable presence and length of its crest among different subspecies, from prominent and pointed to nearly absent. - Despite its fierce predatory nature, it is remarkably adaptable, thriving in both dense primary forests and human-modified landscapes l...