Javan Hawk-Eagle

The Javan hawk-eagle is a medium-sized, approximately 60 cm (24 in) long, dark brown raptor in the family Accipitridae. Its head and neck are rufous and it is heavily barred black below. This majestic and intricately patterned eagle has a long, black crest on its head; this crest is held almost vertically and is tipped with white. The crown is black, topping a chestnut head and nape. The back and wings are dark brown, fading to a lighter brown tail which has wide cream stripes. The throat is creamy white with a black stripe, running to the whitish breast and underparts, which are heavily barred with chestnut. Juvenile birds are similar in colour, but have plainer underparts and a duller head. The sexes are similar

Distribution and habitat

An Indonesian endemic, the Javan hawk-eagle occurs in humid tropical forests of Java. Its range in East Java includes Sempu Island, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Meru Betiri National Park and Alas Purwo National Park. It can also be seen in captivity in zoos like Kebun Binatang Bandung.

Behaviour

The Javan hawk-eagle is believed to be monogamous. The female usually lays one egg in a nest high on top of a forest tree. The diet consists mainly of birds, lizards, fruit bats and mammals.

Hunting

Javan Hawk Eagles eat small mammals, birds, snakes, and lizards. Mammals are their preferred prey, which includes tree shrews, squirrels, bats, rats, and other rodents.

They usually hunt from a perch, but have been observed swooping down to catch prey on a tree or on the ground.

Conservation status

Javan Hawk Eagles are threatened by habitat destruction in the form of conversion to agriculture, development, and uncontrolled fire. They are also in danger from illegal poaching and capture for the pet trade; around 30-40 birds are reported in the trade each year, and it is assumed many more go unreported. Despite the fact legislation passed in Indonesia banning poaching and capture, in addition to declaring the Javan Hawk Eagle Indonesia’s National Rare/Precious Animal, those actions have only increased interest in the species as pets. They are currently listed as Endangered by BirdLife International.