Little Eagle

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Little Eagle - The State of Victoria, Department of Environment and Primary Industries/McCann

Hieraaetus morphnoides

Small, powerful and stocky (45-55 cm), with a wingspan of more than 1 m. This species has a long tail that is square-cut at the tip when it is closed. Heavily feathered legs and powerful feet and talons. Plumage ranges from light to dark brown. Short crest.

Details
Type
Bird
Group
Animals
Raptor
Biology

Breeding season is from August to December in southern Australia. Nests in mature, living trees that are rarely isolated. Clutch size is usually 2, sometimes 3. Incubation is usually carried out by the female, although the male will incubate while the female feeds. Incubation is from 30-40 days. The male hunts for food for the young. Young fly at 55-65 days.
Distinctive Markings

Distinctive underwing 'M'. Pale, broken 'M' across upperparts.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Falconiformes
Family
Accipitridae
Genus
Hieraaetus
Species
morphnoides
Widespread on mainland Australia. Vagrant to Tasmania. Also found in central and eastern New Guinea.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Little Eagles generally dive or drop onto their prey after watching from flight or from a perch.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Carnivore. Mainly rabbits, birds such as ducks, also possums, cats and foxes.
Habitat

Coastal forest, woodland, open scrub, tree-lined watercourses of the interior.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Audio
Sounds
Very rapid "chik - a - chik", or "chik - a - chuk, kuk" call is usually given as part of a display.