Changeable Hawk-Eagle

Overview

The changeable hawk-eagle is a large, slender eagle and the most widely distributed and abundant species within its genus. It is an agile forest-dwelling predator that readily varies its prey selection among birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Identification

• Adults are typically dark brown above with bold streaking below, possessing a strong bill, a variably sized or absent floppy crest, short wings, and long feathered legs.
• Plumage varies significantly with age and moult; pale morphs show white to buff underparts with black streaking, while dark morphs are chocolate-brown to nearly black.
• Juveniles differ from adults by having conspicuous white edges on the wings and underparts that are often largely whitish or spotted, changing to adult plumage between the third and fourth year.

Habitat

This species is found across peninsular India, Sri Lanka, the Himalayan foothills, and much of Southeast Asia including the Malay Peninsula, Philippines, and Greater Sunda Islands. It is a forest-dwelling raptor that perches in various locations ranging from secluded spots to open areas.

Diet

The changeable hawk-eagle is an agile predator that readily varies its prey selection between birds, mammals, and reptiles as well as other vertebrates.

Did you know?

The species' name reflects its high degree of plumage variation, which changes with moult and age, ranging from pale to dark morphs depending on the subspecies and individual bird.