The sharp Hawk-Eagle of Sri Lanka

Kumana National Park

Lesser-known facts

The Changeable Hawk Eagle is a medium to large sized raptor, which is about 60 to 72 centimeters in length with a 127 to 138 centimeter wingspan, and a weight ranging from 1.2 to 1.9 kilograms. They are known to be a relatively slender forest eagle with some subspecies (especially N. c. limnaetus) being dimorphic, which gives its name ‘changeable’. This along with the bird’s complicated phylogeny, further complicates it’s precise identification.

Where to find them 

The Changeable Hawk Eagle, also known as the Crested Hawk Eagle - is a breed of eagles found in the Indian subcontinent, mainly in India and Sri Lanka, and also the south eastern rim of the Himalayas across Southeast Asia to Indonesia and the Philippines. They occur outside the mating season in open woodlands, although the island forms of the bird prefers a habitat with a high density of trees.

Fun facts

The Changeable Hawk Eagle, Nisaetus cirrhatus, is a species of birds belonging to the family of Accipitridae although they were once placed in the genus of Spizaetus. This change took place after studies pointed that the group was paraphyletic, resulting in the Old World members being placed in Nisaetus (Hodgson, 1836) and being separated from the New World species.

 

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Much more than just a great place to stay

"Thanks to our guide Avinka we had five great safaris staying four nights just after reopening this February. The staff made us feel so very welcome during the entire stay.

The safaries are just wonderful, and having a great guide in your vehicle makes a big difference. Avinka can spot animals you would never see and we were even lucky enough to sight leopards on the trees, close to our vehicle, and also running through the field. The wildlife is so exciting that you will have a great experience even if you don‘t see any leopards. We also had a great driver, which is essential if you drive through difficult territory. You are being taken care of the entire time, so even for those who do safaris for the first time, you will always feel safe.

The camp itself is very comfortable, you get everything you can think of, and on top of the great food being served with so much attention and friendliness. You also get wonderful vegetarian and vegan options. They put on bonfires at night, which makes it unforgettable.
When booking and making plans, you get great support from the headquarters, even if it gets difficult since you have to change your plans.
The best thing what can happen to you at the end of a vacation is when you are a bit sad to leave the place, having experienced something to remember forever, and the team does everything for this to happen. Thank you so much"

Axel S wrote, Traveled with family
January 2021

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