Crested Hawk Eagle perched on a tree branch in Sri Lanka

The Crested Hawk-Eagle: Sri Lanka’s Powerful and Adaptable Raptor

Nisaetus cirrhatus

The Crested Hawk-Eagle, also known as the Changeable Hawk-Eagle, is a medium-large bird of prey found in the tropical forests of South Asia. It is an agile forest-dwelling predator with a prominent crest on its head, which can be raised and lowered. Its plumage varies widely, with some birds being dark brown and others almost white, giving rise to its alternative name. These eagles are known for their impressive aerial displays and powerful hunting skills, preying on a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
  • The name “Changeable Hawk-Eagle” comes from the wide variation in its plumage, with individuals exhibiting pale and dark morphs.
  • It is an exceptionally adaptable species, showing remarkable resilience in the face of habitat degradation and deforestation, unlike many of its fellow hawk-eagles.
  • The Sri Lankan subspecies, Nisaetus cirrhatus ceylanensis, is a resident breeding bird, and it is known to have a proportionally longer crest than the nominate race.
  • This raptor is a skilled hunter that uses stealth and ambush, often perching high on a tree branch to survey its surroundings before making a swift dive to capture its prey.