Long-crested Eagle

Fairly common resident. Long crest on head and wing pattern with bold white ‘windows’ distinctive. Legs may be white (especially in males) or black and white. Sometimes calls in flight, a shrill ‘weee-er’ or ‘peerr-wee’ repeated. Usually occurs singly in forest fringes, exotic plantations (especially Eucalyptus) and wooded valleys; prefers hilly, moist conditions. Soars mostly in the mornings and frequently perches prominently at roadsides. Hunts by swooping down on mainly rodents or small birds. Nest sites in competition with black sparrow hawk. 0,9-1,5 kg.