forest edges to semi-open country and around villages. Sometimes soars high, late in the morning or during migration.
BESRA
Accipiter virgatus 33 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Plumage variable with sex, age and subspecies. Photo shows female. Distinguished with great difficulty from previous species by heavier streaks on its throat.
Voice: Usually silent.
Habits: A forest bird found in a variety of wooded habitats, often in elevated areas up to 2,400 metres. Status somewhat uncertain as this species is very difficult to distinguish in the field from previous migratory species. Feeds on small birds caught on the wing; less often on reptiles and small mammals hunted on the ground. Its small nest is built high in a large forest tree.
CRESTED GOSHAWK
Accipiter trivirgatus 40 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Note the short, rounded wings and streaked/barred underparts; crest hardly noticeable.
Voice: A shrill, prolonged scream he-he-he-he-he.
Habits: A forest hawk found in lowland and submontane rainforest and along forest edges. Flies low to hunt for squirrels, lizards, birds and large insects. Sometimes soars on thermals over its territory, screaming loudly.
SHIKRA
Accipiter badius 32 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Male (photo) has diagnostic bluish wings and back. Female is larger with brownish upperparts.
Voice: A high-pitched kyeew near its nest, otherwise silent.
Habits: Frequents woodlands and nearby open country, often seen near plantations, roads and villages. Hunts from a perch by dashing out to catch lizards, small mammals and large insects on nearby branches or in the grass below; does not chase flying birds.
COMMON BUZZARD
Buteo buteo 55 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Note broad tail, short neck and diagnostic black spot on carpal joint (shoulder) of wing.
Voice: Usually silent during migration.
Habits: Found along forest edges and in wooded areas and open country from lowlands to montane altitudes, usually alone. Often seen soaring high. Perches on an open branch or hovers in the air to swoop down and catch prey in grass below.
BLACK EAGLE
Ictinaetus malayensis 69 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: Plumage a uniform blackish colour. Unique; the only member of its genus. Distinguished from the following species by characteristic flight silhouette with wings narrowing in at the body.
Voice: Silent during migration.
Habits: A low-density species preferring the montane forest habitat, from the foothills to 2,500-metre elevations. Sometimes ventures into lowlands and forest edges. Soars low over the treetops on the lookout for prey such as birds, reptiles, frogs and small mammals. Especially adept at raiding other birds' nests and picking up roosting bats. Like other eagles, the pair engages in acrobatic display flights near their large nest built in a tall tree on a forested slope.
GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE
Aquila clanga 68 cm F: Accipitridae
Description: immature bird (top) has white spots in plumage. Adult is a uniform black. Note wings are held straight out. plank-like, in flight.
Voice: Silent during migration.
Habits: The most common of the majestic Aquila eagles in the region and very conspicuous in the air. Usually found in open country near wetlands, especially in large marshy areas and grasslands behind the coast. Perches in large trees and flies out to feed on all kinds of vertebrate prey; also scavenges. Much reduced in numbers worldwide and now vulnerable to global extinction.
STEPPE EAGLE
Aquila nipalensis 81 cm F; Accipitridae
Description: A magnificent large eagle with uniformly dark brown plumage. Immature (photo) bird is light brown with a diagnostic broad white band in wings when held out straight from body (typical for Aquila eagles).
Voice: Silent during migration.
Habits: Immature birds roam widely and are seen in this region occasionally. Frequents open country, feeding mostly on small mammals. During migration immature birds often feed on carrion.
PHILIPPINE EAGLE
Pithecophaga jefferyi 92 cm F: Accipitridae
Description:
