Java’s (Mo)Hawk Eagle
I am not a bird person. Pretty sure I saw Hitchcock’s Birds when I was super little and it scarred me. So, I’d say around 75% of the birds we will be learning together. Today is a bird that is a great predator but looks like Alfalfa from Little Rascals. Let’s soar through the canopy with the Javan Hawk-Eagle!
What is it? The Javan Hawk-Eagle (I’m going to drop the hawk to a “H-“ for the sake of my fingers) is a medium sized raptor. I wish it was that kind of raptor, but raptors are the stereotypical predatory birds: Eagles, owls, vultures, kites, etc. Now my question was, why hawk-eagle? Hawk-eagles are eagles that have some adaptations of hawks, but it can be simplified down to the are lighter than the typical heavily built eagles. Javan H-Eagles are around 2 ft long and have a really cool barring on their chests. They/re trademark is a dark brown crest, that sticks up, and looks like Alfalfa or me after waking up after a surprise nap. Either way, they are majestic.
Where do they live? Like the name suggests, these cool birds are found on the tropical island of Java. Java, is one of the islands that make up the country of Indonesia. Java is a the most populated island in the world with over 151 million people that live on 48,000 sq. miles. Java has many endemic species, endemic meaning they are only found in one place. Which means, this species can only be found on this island that holds over 55% of the Indonesian population. These birds are found in the tropical jungles along the eastern side of Java.
What is their diet? All raptors are considered to be hyper-carnivores, which the best human description is Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation. Their typical diet is made up of small mammals, other birds, and the occasional lizard. The name raptor means to seize by force, which is exactly how these birds hunt. They have exceptional eye-sight and use that while flying high in the sky, and when prey is spotted, they turn into a dive bomber.
What does Eagle dating look like? Ok, so this is actually very sweet. Javan H-Eagles are monogamous. Females look over potential suitors and will pick a mate. We don’t know all the little intricacies of their courtships because they are fairly elusive. Researchers have followed several mated pairs to study and have learned so much about their nesting habits. When ready to make an egg, the pair will do an elaborate ritual. They will catch a thermal incline, go really high, and then do an exceptionally beautiful dance of tumbles and spirals while diving, which ends in a free fall where they lock talons and separate as they near the ground. They usually only have 1 egg that they incubate for 47ish days. After hatching the eaglet stays in the nest for 2 months and will be near the parents for around a year.
What are Javan H-Eagle super powers? This bird is in one word…Iconic. Javan H-Eagles are the national bird of Indonesia, and the earthly incarnation of eagle-like creatures called Garuda in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Garuda is the “King of Birds” and is charioteer of the Sun and the how the god Vishnu travels around. This bird is a Demi-god, if that isn’t a super power then I don’t know what is. I do want to say the acrobatics that the eagles engage in is absolutely stunning and definitely what I would consider pretty super.
How many Javan H-Eagles are there? These amazing birds are one of the rarest raptors in the world. Currently there are only an estimated 300 to 500 adults left in the wild.
It’s Science Time!
Javan Hawk-Eagle - Nisaetus bartelsi
According to the IUCN Res List, Javan Hawk-Eagles are listed as endangered with a decreasing population.
Threats to the Javan H-Eagle are numerous due to the fact that they are only found on this crowded island. They face pressures from habitat fragmentation and loss, poaching, illegal pet trade, fires, and further developments for residential and agricultural purposes.
Resources:
BirdLife International. (2017). Nisaetus bartelsi (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22696165A110050373. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T22696165A110050373.en.
Cornell Lab. (n.d.) Javan Hawk Eagle. eBird. https://ebird.org/species/javhae1
Eagle Encyclopedia. (n.d.) Javan Hawk Eagle. The Eagle Directory. http://eagleencyclopedia.org/species/javan_hawk_eagle.html
Gokkan, B. (2020). Iconic Indonesian raptor still threatened by habitat degradation, isolation. Mongabay. https://news.mongabay.com/2023/12/javan-hawk-eagle-indonesian-raptor-bird-prey-endangered-species-population/
