alt=""/>
Description: Distinguished from the similar and sympatric Lesser Fish-eagle, l. humilis (58 cm), only by larger size and distinct white base to tail.
Voice: A wailing scream with short, chuckling notes heard at dawn and dusk.
Habits: This shy forest bird frequents large rivers in the lowland and lower montane forest areas; also found around stagnant ponds and reservoirs. Usually seen as it takes off from its forest edge perch and flies low out of sight along the river. Seems to feed almost exclusively on freshwater fish; feeding and breeding habits little studied.
HIMALAYAN GRIFFON
Gyps himalayensis 130 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Unmistakable; largest of all raptors with a massive 10-kg body and 3-metre wingspan. Photo shows two immature birds.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Resident from 1,500 to 4000 metres. Immature birds seem to disperse in small groups and may be found near forested hills. Soars on motionless, outstretched wings, covering ground and shifting elevation with incredible swiftness and speed.
WHITE-RUMPED VULTURE (White-backed Vulture)
Gyps bengalensis 89 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Distinguished from the similar and sympatric Long-billed Vulture G. indicus by blackish (not sandy brown) wings and prominent white rump.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Feeds on carrion, mainly cattle carcasses. Remarkably tolerant of the human presence, often seen feeding on busy rubbish dumps and nesting in large trees in villages. Previously numerous in much of the region, but numbers are now much reduced, even in its stronghold of northern India, for reasons not fully understood.
RED-HEADED VULTURE
Sarcogyps calvus 81 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Note diagnostic red head and feet.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Much reduced in numbers and no longer occurs near human habitation anywhere within this region. Mainly found as territorial pairs in remoter areas, especially along forested river valleys, from the lowlands to 2,000 metres. Shyer and less gregarious than other vultures. Feeds on carcasses of large mammals, often together with other scavengers.
CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE
Spilornis cheela 81 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Somewhat scaly plumage and small crest are diagnostic (left); note white wing band on flying bird (right).
Voice: A penetrating wheew-wheew when soaring carries far. Vocal.
Habits: Essentially a forest bird that seems to prefer mature secondary growth along forest edges and clearings. Sits motionless on a mid-storey branch watching for prey, mostly tree snakes, but also some small mammals and birds. Often soars high over the forest on late morning thermals.
PHILIPPINE SERPENT-EAGLE
Spilornis holospilus 56 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Unmistakable within its range. Recently accepted as a full species. Distinguished from previous species by more well-defined spots on underparts and wings.
Voice: Similar to previous species.
Habits: Occurs in forest and along forest edges, often seen in clearings and river valleys. Tolerant of environmental disturbance and often seen soaring over nearby open areas. Feeds on amphibians, reptiles and other live prey. Otherwise little studied and its nest has not yet been described.
EASTERN MARSH-HARRIER
Circus spilonotus 50 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Photo shows immature bird; the underpants of immature and female birds are less streaked than other harriers. The male is pale grey with black wing coverts.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Found in open country, especially in extensive marshes, reed beds, tall grass areas and wet fields. The most numerous harrier (genus: Circus) in the region. Flies low, hugging the contours of the terrain, flapping briefly and gliding intermittently. Dives into the grass to catch slow-moving birds and rodents.
JAPANESE SPARROWHAWK
Accipiter gularis 27 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Photo shows female bird. The male is smaller and has more rufous underparts with thin barring. The immature bird has a streaked (not barred) chest.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: Typical Accipiter raptor. Flies low with amazing agility when hunting for prey, almost exclusively small passerine birds surprised and caught in flight. Found during winter in all types of wooded habitat, from
