The little eagle is a very small eagle endemic to Australia.
Region
Australia
Typical Environment
Widespread but patchy across mainland Australia, most common in open woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural landscapes with scattered trees. It favors edges of forests and riparian corridors where tall nest trees are available. Nests are usually placed high in eucalypts, often reused and refurbished each season. Occasional individuals occur in semi-arid interiors provided there is sufficient prey and cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of the smallest true eagles, the little eagle comes in two main color morphs—pale and dark—which can make field identification tricky. It relies heavily on soaring flight and often hunts over open country, taking rabbits, small birds, reptiles, and large insects. In some regions its numbers are affected by habitat clearing and fluctuations in rabbit populations. It is sometimes mistaken for kites or harriers, but shows a smaller head, long "fingered" wings, and a distinct tail band.
Little eagle in captivity.
Foot bones of the little eagle (bottom) and those of the Haast's eagle
A little eagle in aerial conflict with a black-shouldered kite.
Perched little eagle.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with slow, deep wingbeats; often holds wings in slight dihedral
Social Behavior
Generally monogamous and territorial during the breeding season. Builds a stick nest high in a tall tree, often reusing sites across years. Clutch size is typically one to two, with prolonged parental care and food provisioning by the male.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched whistling notes, often repeated in series during display flights or near the nest. Vocal activity increases during courtship and territory defense but is otherwise fairly unobtrusive.
Plumage
Two morphs: pale birds show cream to buff underparts with fine streaking and contrasting dark carpal patches; dark morphs are chocolate-brown overall with slightly paler flight feathers. Upperwings often show a pale panel; tail is relatively square with a narrow dark subterminal band. Wings are long and narrow with prominent "fingers," and the head appears small for an eagle.
Diet
Takes small to medium vertebrates, notably rabbits where available, along with small birds, lizards, and occasional snakes. Will also capture large insects when vertebrate prey is scarce. Hunts by soaring and quartering over open country, or from a perch with rapid stoops to the ground.
Preferred Environment
Open woodlands, pasturelands, and lightly timbered farmland with scattered trees for perching and nesting. Often hunts along edges, watercourses, and over grasslands where prey is exposed.
