Rufous-bellied Eagle

The Rufous-bellied Eagle, known scientifically as Lophotriorchis kienerii, is a bird of prey with a striking appearance. It is relatively small for an eagle and exhibits a falcon-like pattern. The species boasts a black hood adorned with a short crest, and its chestnut underparts and wing coverts create a vivid contrast against the white throat and breast.

Identification Tips

Adults are recognizable by their upright perching stance, with wingtips nearly reaching the tail. The tarsus is fully feathered, which is a notable characteristic. Females are slightly larger than males and have more pronounced black facial markings. Juveniles display very white underparts with distinctive dark markings on the body's sides, head mask, and underwing coverts, which may cause them to be mistaken for a Booted Eagle (Aquila pennata). In flight, the underwing lining is dark with black greater coverts and thinly barred flight feathers with a black edge. The tail is also dark and barred.

Habitat

The Rufous-bellied Eagle is primarily associated with hill forests, where it is more commonly found in the Western Ghats of India than along the Himalayas. Its habitat extends from Nepal to Assam and parts of the Eastern Ghats.

Distribution

This species has a wide range across southern and south-eastern Asia, reaching as far as Sulawesi.

Behaviour

These eagles are often observed soaring high above the forest canopy. They are adept hunters, diving to capture prey that includes birds and mammals found in the air, canopy, or forest floor. The breeding season occurs in winter, with young fledging in spring. Their display flight includes stooping and wing-quivering.

Song & Calls

The Rufous-bellied Eagle's vocal repertoire includes a series of high-pitched "fwick, fwick" notes followed by a thin "sweek!"

Breeding

The breeding season is marked by a display flight involving stooping and wing-quivering. They build large nests on bare trees using dry sticks and branches, lined with green leaves. A single egg is laid, and both parents share responsibilities for incubation, feeding, and nest defense.

Similar Species

Juvenile Rufous-bellied Eagles can be confused with the Booted Eagle (Aquila pennata) due to their white underparts and dark markings.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists of birds the size of the Sri Lanka wood pigeon, Kalij pheasant, and junglefowl.

Conservation status

The Rufous-bellied Eagle is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.