Legge's Hawk-Eagle
NameLegge's Hawk-Eagle
Common NameLegge's Hawk-Eagle
Scientific NameNisaetus kelaarti
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)122.5
Length (cm)62.5
Weight (g)1400
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark brown upperparts, a distinctive dark crest, and pale underparts with heavy dark streaking on the breast and barring on the belly and flanks. The throat is whitish, and the tail is barred with dark bands.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is typically a loud, high-pitched, ringing series of notes, often described as 'ki-ki-ki-ki-ki' or 'klee-klee-klee', given both in flight and from a perch.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species is endemic to Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats mountain range in southern India.
Identifying Featuresprominent crest, dark brown upperparts, pale underparts with dark streaking and barring, yellow cere and feet, powerful build
Description
The Legge's Hawk-Eagle is a medium-sized, powerful raptor characterized by its prominent crest. It inhabits dense evergreen and moist deciduous forests, where it hunts a variety of prey from a perch or while soaring.
