Little Eagle

Photo(s): 
Little Eagle

Little Eagle

Hieraaetus morphnoides

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.

Details Description
Type
Bird
Group
Raptor
Identifying Characteristics

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.
Distinctive Markings

Distinctive underwing 'M'. Pale, broken 'M' across upperparts.
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
Sounds
Very rapid "chik - a - chik", or "chik - a - chuk, kuk" call is usually given as part of a display.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Falconiformes
Family
Accipitridae
Genus
Hieraaetus
Species
morphnoides
Little Eagle
Widespread on mainland Australia. Vagrant to Tasmania. Also found in central and eastern New Guinea.

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Not listed
FFG Act
Not listed
EPBC Act
Not listed

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.

Audio samples: