The rufous-bellied eagle or rufous-bellied hawk-eagle is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae that is found in the forested regions of tropical Asia. Relatively small for eagles and contrastingly patterned like a falcon, this species was earlier placed in the genus Hieraaetus and sometimes also in the genus Aquila but thought to be distinctive enough to belong to a separate genus.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found in primary and mature secondary forests from the Indian subcontinent through Myanmar and mainland Southeast Asia to the Greater Sunda Islands. It favors evergreen and moist deciduous hill forests, often along ridges, valley slopes, and near clearings or riverine corridors. The species occurs in the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka’s wet zone, the Himalayan foothills into Northeast India, and east through Thailand and the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. It typically nests high in emergent trees within large forest tracts and hunts along edges and above the canopy.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small, striking eagle is the sole species in the genus Lophotriorchis and was formerly placed in Hieraaetus and sometimes Aquila. Its bold rufous belly and crisp contrast recall a large falcon in both appearance and fast, agile flight. It is a canopy hunter that can be surprisingly hard to detect despite frequent soaring over forested ridges. The species is sensitive to forest loss and is a useful indicator of intact tropical woodland.
A captive adult rufous-bellied eagle.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
buoyant soaring with bursts of fast, falcon-like wingbeats; quick stoops from height
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, often patrolling along forested ridges. Pairs are monogamous and nest high on large emergent trees. Clutch size is typically one egg, with both adults involved in incubation and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet, but during display emits sharp, high-pitched whistles or thin screams. Calls are most often heard near the nest or during aerial display.
