Changeable Hawk-Eagle or Indian Crested Hawk-Eagle) is a bird of prey belongs to the Accipitridae family.
In ‘Malayalam’ vernacular, the bird is called as “ Kinnary Parunthu”.
Nisaetus cirrhatus is the scientific name of the bird.
So far, more than 41 species of raptors, both migrants and residents, have been reported from the State.
In general, the birds belong to the Accipitridae family have keen eyesight for detection of prey at a distance or during flight, strong feet equipped with talons for grasping or killing prey, and powerful curved beaks for tearing flesh.
Changeable Hawk-Eagle or Indian Crested Hawk-Eagle is a resident bird of the Kerala State.
Indian Crested Hawk-Eagle a forest dwelling predator occurs in edges of deciduous and evergreen forests, sacred groves, forested villages, and forest plantations.
The bird may be the most elegant one among the raptors seen in the State. Long narrow crest made up of 6 to 8 long narrow black feathers projecting behind the head is the characteristic feature of the bird.
The bird is slightly larger than the black kite, but with a slender body, yellowish brown to reddish brown above, off white below with reddish brown longitudinal streaks on throat and breast. Tail long, pale brown with 4 to 5 grayish black bands. Legs are long and covered with pale brownish feathers. Sexes are alike, female bird is larger than male. Diet include small and large birds, snakes, frogs, lizards, squirrels, rats, hares, and occasionally monkeys. The bird hunts like large goshawk, from concealed perch inside forest, or along forest edge. Prey captured after short rapid stoop.
The bird is generally silent, except in the breeding season. Commonest call is a series of piping whistles with emphasis on the last rising note “kwip-kwip-kwip-kwi-kweee”. Also a repeated single piercing whistle, sometimes followed by two or three softer notes, “kleeee-yip-yip-yip”.
Breeding season is December to May. Large stick nest (95-105 cm across, 35-120 cm deep) is built by pair in crown or high fork of large tree.
Clutch one white egg; incubation reported to by exclusively female or both sexes but mainly by female.
Distribution: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, southern Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar. Five subspecies have been reported. Nisaetus. c. cirrhatus, the nominate subspecies is found in the peninsular India.
Not globally threatened, Least Concern.
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