Changeable Hawk-Eagle

Nisaetus cirrhatus

Least ConcernUncommonVertebratesForestPlatform nestLarge · 1.5 kg

About the Changeable Hawk-Eagle

The changeable hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus) or crested hawk-eagle is a large bird of prey species of the family Accipitridae. More informal or antiquated English common names include the marsh hawk-eagle or Indian crested hawk-eagle. It is a member of the subfamily Aquilinae, with signature feathers, absent in tropical raptors from outside this subfamily, covering the tarsus. It was formerly placed in the genus Spizaetus, but studies pointed to the group being paraphyletic resulting in the Old World members being placed in Nisaetus and separated from the New World species. It is a typical "hawk-eagle" in that it is an agile forest-dwelling predator and like many such eagles readily…

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The changeable hawk-eagle is a largish but slender eagle. They fall near the middle of sizes among the currently accepted species in the genus Nisaetus. As in most birds of prey, females are larger than males with an average overall size difference of 7% but this can individually range to an 18-22% difference, with island races apparently thought to be less dimorphic on average. Voice: The changeable hawk-eagle is often largely silent but in breeding season it may readily call, both from their perch or on the wing. Like many diurnal raptors, their calls are a form of high-pitched scream.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Changeable Hawk-Eagle sounds like

Recording: Jairam Vijayan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in February · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Changeable Hawk-Eagle for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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