Nisaetus floris
The Flores Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus floris) is a magnificent, medium-sized raptor, endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, distinguished by its powerful build and striking plumage. Adults typically measure between 60-79 cm (23.5-31 inches) in length, with a wingspan that can reach up to 150 cm (59 inches), though exact measurements are scarce due to its rarity. They exhibit dark brown upperparts, a prominent shaggy crest, and a contrasting white underside that is heavily streaked with d...
This hawk-eagle primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, ranging from lowlands up to elevations of approximately 1,600 meters (5,250 feet). It can be found in primary and disturbed forest areas.
Its diet primarily consists of small to medium-sized mammals (like rodents and bats), birds, and reptiles (snakes, lizards), typically caught through perch-hunting or aerial pursuit in the forest.
The Flores Hawk-Eagle is a diurnal predator, spending its days soaring above the forest canopy or perch-hunting from concealed vantage points within the dense foliage. Its foraging strategy involves a mix of opportunistic ambush and active pursuit, often making swift, powerful dives to capture pr...
The Flores Hawk-Eagle is entirely endemic to a few islands within the Lesser Sunda archipelago of Indonesia. Its primary breeding range encompasses the islands of Flores, Sumbawa, and Lombok, with historical records also suggesting its presence on smaller adjacent islands such as Satonda and Rinc...
Critically Endangered
- The Flores Hawk-Eagle was only elevated to full species status in 1998, previously being considered a subspecies of the widespread Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus). - It is one of the most critically endangered raptors in the world, with an estimated population of fewer than 250 matur...