Wallace's hawk-eagle is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is found in Kra Isthmus, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss and trade. It is among the smallest eagles in the world at about 46 cm (18 in) long and weighing 500–610 g (1.10–1.34 lb).
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Kra Isthmus through the Malay Peninsula and on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. It inhabits primary and tall secondary lowland evergreen and dipterocarp forests, often near rivers and forest edges. The eagle hunts within and above the canopy, using tall emergent trees as vantage points. It can persist in selectively logged forests if large trees remain but avoids heavily degraded habitats. Fragmentation reduces hunting success and nest site availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Among the smallest eagles in the world, Wallace's hawk-eagle is a crested forest raptor of Sundaland lowlands. It relies on tall, mature trees for nesting and perching, making it highly sensitive to logging and forest fragmentation. The species is also affected by trapping for trade. Its presence is often used as an indicator of intact lowland rainforest.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats interspersed with glides; soars over and along forest edges
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, maintaining territories centered on mature forest with tall nest trees. Monogamous, nesting high in emergent trees with a long breeding cycle typical of eagles. Likely lays a single egg, with both adults contributing to nest defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high-pitched, piercing whistles and thin kwee or klee notes, often repeated during display flights. Calls carry over the canopy but the species is otherwise unobtrusive and quiet when hunting.
Plumage
Dark brown upperparts with rufous to buff underparts marked by fine streaking and barring; underwings and tail show bold dark bands. The crown bears a prominent dark crest, and the throat is paler with contrasting streaks.
Diet
A specialized forest raptor that preys on small birds, squirrels, bats, lizards, and large insects. It often hunts from concealed perches, making swift dashes through the canopy to ambush prey. The species also patrols along forest edges and above rivers where prey movements are concentrated.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within primary and tall secondary lowland rainforest, especially where large perches overlook gaps, streams, or clearings. Frequently uses emergent trees for scanning and short pursuit flights beneath or above the canopy.
