The pygmy eagle or New Guinea hawk-eagle is a bird of prey found in New Guinea. Its natural habitats are primarily subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It is one of the smallest species of eagle.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs across lowland to montane forests of New Guinea, including primary and secondary rainforest. Most frequently seen along forest edges, river corridors, and in mosaic habitats where clearings meet tall forest. It uses tall emergent trees for perching and nesting and soars above ridges while hunting. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but remains tied to wooded landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the New Guinea hawk-eagle, it was recently split from the Australian Little Eagle. It is among the smallest true eagles, adapted to hunting along forest edges and clearings. Its subtle plumage variation can cause confusion with other raptors, but its compact build and behavior help distinguish it.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring flier with short rapid wingbeats between glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in territorial pairs. Pairs perform display flights over ridges and nest in tall forest trees, likely laying a single egg. Both adults participate in territory defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, high-pitched whistles and thin screams, especially during display flights. Calls are intermittent and can carry over forested valleys.
Plumage
Compact eagle with brown upperparts and paler, finely streaked underparts; tail and flight feathers show distinct barring. Often shows a pale throat and belly with darker streaks and a darker carpal patch on the underwing. Wings are broad and slightly rounded with a relatively long, barred tail; a small crest may be raised at times.
Diet
Takes small birds, reptiles, large insects, and occasionally small mammals. Hunts from exposed perches or by soaring and quartering forest edges. Strikes prey in short, fast stoops or direct dashes through gaps in the canopy.
Preferred Environment
Most often hunts along forest margins, riverine corridors, and over broken canopy. Will also use clearings, secondary growth, and ridgelines that provide updrafts for soaring.
