Changeable Hawk-Eagle

1. Bird Name
English name: Changeable Hawk-Eagle
Scientific (Latin) name: Nisaetus cirrhatus

2. Appearance
The Changeable Hawk-Eagle, named for the variability in its plumage, displays a striking combination of dark brown and lighter feathering. Its underside is typically white or pale with spots and streaks, while its upper parts often shimmer with dark brown or black. The large yellow and black bill, yellow eyes, and long feathered legs enhance its majestically threatening look. Crested with a prominent fan-shaped set of feathers on top of its skull makes the bird quite distinguishable. Males and females have similar appearances, with females usually being larger.

3. Size
The Changeable Hawk-Eagle averages 60-72 centimeters (24-28 inches) in length, boasting a significant wingspan of about 127-138 cm (50-54 inches). The bird weighs anywhere between 1.2-1.9 kg (2.6-4.2 lbs).

4. Habitat & Distribution
This species of hawk-eagle is prevalent in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia territories including India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. They inhabit various ecosystems but have a predilection for forested and woodland regions. Their adaptive nature allows them to tolerate human-altered landscapes and plantations as well.

5. Interesting Facts
A fascinating aspect of the Changeable Hawk-Eagle is its dynamic feeding habit which consists of pouncing from perch, aerial strikes and ground strikes. It’s known to aggressively protect its territory, even against larger raptors. The Changeable Hawk-Eagle also exhibits an impressive air dance during their courtship flights.

6. Diet
Changeable Hawk-Eagles primarily subsist on terrestrial vertebrates and birds. Their diet includes rodents, reptiles, small mammals, and even larger birds. They are skilled hunters, using their sharp vision and agile flying abilities to seize prey fiercely.

7. Behavior & Sounds
This bird displays solitary behavior, with monogamous pairings occurring during breeding periods. Their nests are built high in tall trees and consist of large sticks and leaf cover. Its call is a repeated, high pitched, ‘Klee Klee Klee’, or ‘ki-ki-ki-ki-ki’, often described as piercing and distinctive.

8. Conservation Status
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the Changeable Hawk-Eagle is currently classified as Least Concern, indicating a relatively stable and widespread population.

9. Lifespan
Though detailed data on their lifespan is scarce, like other raptors, the Changeable Hawk-Eagle can live for more than 20 years in the wild, if they can avoid threats such as deforestation and hunting.

10. Additional Notes
In some regions like India, this bird is known by the name ‘Changeable Crested Hawk-Eagle’. They play an essential role in ecosystems, helping control the population of rodents and small mammals. Interaction with humans is minimal, as they prefer to remain in their vast habitats, although they have been known occasionally to attack poultry. Breeding pairs engage in a stunning aerial courtship display, with both birds soaring high in the sky before the male dives to the female, and she flips over onto her back in mid-air to receive him. It’s a sight that once seen, is remembered for a lifetime.