Rufous–bellied Eagle

1. Bird Name
English Name: Rufous-bellied Eagle
Scientific (Latin) Name: Lophotriorchis kienerii

2. Appearance
Rufous-bellied Eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey that is noted for its striking appearance. Predominantly dark grey on its upper body while the belly and underwing coverts are warm rufous. Adults have black streaks on the head and neck and black bars on the tail. The beak is hooked, and powerful for tearing flesh. Rufous-bellied Eagle’s eyes are captivating; they are deep orange with a piercing gaze. One key identification feature of this bird is its white throat with black streaks. There are no known significant differences in appearance between males and females.

3. Size
The Rufous-bellied Eagle typically has a body length ranging between 40-50cm (16-20inches) and a wingspan of around 100-115 cm (39-45inches). It generally weighs between 900g to1.2kg.

4. Habitat & Distribution
This bird is primarily found in the forested parts of Southern Asia, with concentrations in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The Rufous-bellied Eagle has a preference for wet, dense forests in hilly and mountainous regions.

5. Interesting Facts
Rufous-bellied Eagles are solitary birds that prefer to live a solitary existence, which could explain their aggressive behavior towards other eagles. They are also known for their high flying speed and agility in the air. An intriguing part of their behavior is that they often take over the nests of other birds instead of building their own.

6. Diet
The diet of a Rufous-bellied Eagle predominantly consists of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. The bird is a proficient hunter and is often seen swiftly diving through the canopy to take its prey by surprise.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Rufous-bellied Eagles are strong, swift fliers and often soar on flat wings high above the forest canopy. They make some vocalizations that sound like a screaming ‘ki-ki-ki-ki-ker’.

8. Conservation Status
As per IUCN Red List, the Rufous-bellied Eagle is listed as “Near Threatened”. Its population is declining due to habitat loss and human disturbances.

9. Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Rufous-bellied Eagle is not well documented but other eagles similar in size can live up to 20 years in the wild.

10. Additional Notes
The Rufous-bellied Eagle has a significant role in its ecosystem helping control rodent and small mammal populations. Its environmental contribution, alongside its distinctive appearance, has earned the bird a revered status in several of the cultures within its habitat range. The silent stalking hunting style is also a subject of intrigue and study for many ornithologists. Despite its ‘Near Threatened’ status, the Rufous–bellied Eagle’s distribution is relatively broad, thus making the conservation efforts for its population recovery a global concern.