Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Nisaetus cirrhatus
Family: Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks · Status: Common resident · Size: 61–75 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Resident from the Indian subcontinent through Sundaic Southeast Asia, as well as some islands in the Philippines.
Comes in a dark and pale morph. Pale morph has thick dark streaks on its underparts with strongly marked underwings and a thick mesial stripe. Dark morph has an overall dark brown plumage with dark brown underwing coverts, pale primaries and secondaries with dark wingtips. Juvenile dark morphs are typically similar to adults, while juvenile pale morphs can be told apart by their very plain white unmarked underparts.
Forests and woodland.
Frequently heard around wooded areas around Singapore. Hunts from a concealed perch.