The Javan hawk-eagle is a medium-sized, dark brown raptor in the family Accipitridae. It is the national bird of Indonesia, where it is commonly referred to as the real-life model for the Garuda Pancasila, which is also inspired by Garuda; a bird-like deity in Hinduism and Buddhism. The scientific name commemorates the Bartels family, who discovered it.
Region
Java, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Java, where it inhabits primary and mature secondary evergreen forests from lowland foothills into montane zones. It favors steep valleys, ridgelines, and forest edges where updrafts aid soaring. The species can tolerate some disturbance but depends on large tracts of closed-canopy forest for nesting. Nests are typically placed high in emergent trees overlooking forested slopes. Ongoing deforestation and fragmentation restrict it to increasingly isolated forest blocks.
Altitude Range
100–3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Javan hawk-eagle is Indonesia’s national bird and is often cited as the real-life inspiration for the Garuda emblem. It is a secretive forest raptor with a distinctive erect crest and rich rufous head. Endemic to the island of Java, it has suffered from habitat loss and illegal capture. Its scientific name honors the Bartels family, who were instrumental in documenting the species.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with intermittent deep wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining large territories within forested mountains. Pairs are monogamous and engage in aerial displays over territories. Nests are massive stick platforms built high in tall trees; typically only a single egg is laid and the breeding cycle is prolonged.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives piercing, high-pitched whistles and screams that carry over valleys. Pairs may duet with repeated, thin, rising notes. Calls are most frequent near nests and during display flights.
Plumage
Dark brown upperparts with finely barred, paler underparts and a contrasting rufous to chestnut head and neck. The bird shows a prominent, narrow, multi-feathered crest and a boldly banded tail. Flight feathers are darker with lighter barring, giving a striking pattern in flight.
Diet
A versatile predator taking small to medium-sized birds, mammals, and reptiles. Typical prey includes pigeons, junglefowl, squirrels, and large lizards. It hunts from concealed perches or while soaring, launching rapid stoops through the canopy. Ambush and surprise are key, with powerful talons used to dispatch prey.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, ridgelines, and clearings adjacent to closed-canopy forest. Uses tall trees for vantage points and to access thermals for soaring. Often selects rugged terrain where prey movement is funneled.
