Little eagle

Abstract: The diet and breeding biology of the Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides were investigated at Armidale, New South Wales in 1980. Data were supplemented by the RAOU Nest Record Scheme. Little Eagles took a wide range of vertebrate prey species in the breeding season. Prey items recorded at three nests consisted, by number, of about 60% mammal, 25% birdsnd 15% lizard and these figures agreed closely with the percentage occurrence of these prey types in pkllets (c. 55% mammal, 25% bird and 20% lizard). Active nests were in living trees in patches of woodland. The ratio of two- to single-egg clutches was about 2:1. The incubation period was 36 to 40 days, and males shared incubation. The nestling period was about nine weeks, and the post-fledging dependence period appeared to last at least six weeks. The breeding cycle occupied about four months from nest building to fledging, and, for the district, about five months (August-January). Fledging success was about 0.5 young per pair per year, and about one in six successful nests raised two young. Breeding density was at least one pair per 1600 ha. Prey taken from each home range in the six-month breeding season was estimated at 120 young lagomorphs (48 kg), 50 birds (3 kg) and 30 lizards (4 kg).

Abstract: We present a phylogeny of all booted eagles (38 extant and one extinct species) based on analysis of published sequences from seven loci. We find molecular support for five major clades within the booted eagles: Nisaetus (10 species), Spizaetus (4 species), Clanga (3 species), Hieraaetus (6 species) and Aquila (11 species), requiring generic changes for 14 taxa. Additionally, we recommend that the Long-crested Eagle ( Lophaetus occipitalis ) and the Black Eagle ( Ictinaetus malaiensis ) remain in their monotypic genera, due to their distinctive morphology. We apply the recently resurrected genus Clanga for the spotted eagles (previously Aquila spp.) to resolve the paraphyly of the genus Aquila such that the clade including the Booted Eagle ( H. pennatus ), Little Eagle ( H. morphnoides ), Pygmy Eagle ( H. weiskei ), Ayres’s Eagle ( H. ayresii ) and Wahlberg’s Eagle ( H. wahlbergi ) can remain in the genus Hieraaetus . The Rufous-bellied Eagle should be retained in the genus Lophotriorchis . For consistency in English names, we recommend that the term “hawk-eagles” be used only for the species in the genera Nisaetus and Spizaetus . We suggest following new or modified English names: Cassin’s Eagle ( Aquila africana ) , Bonaparte’s Eagle ( A. spilogaster ) , Ayres’s Eagle ( Hieraaetus ayresii ) , and Black-and-chestnut Hawk-Eagle ( Spizaetus isidori ) .

Abstract: The claim that the clutch size of three species of raptor-the wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax), little eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides) and brown goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus)-increased following the introduction and spread of the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Western Australia was tested by comparing historical data contained in oological collections for all 24 Australian diurnal raptors and eight owls over three time-periods: before introduction of the rabbit, during the heyday of the rabbit, and after successful broad-scale control. No significant changes were found in clutch size of the little eagle either in Western Australia or more-southerly Australia in general. Clutch size of the wedge-tailed eagle, brown goshawk and whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) decreased significantly after rabbit control. Clutches of two eggs were more common for the wedge-tailed eagle and those of three and four eggs were more prevalent for the brown goshawk when rabbits were uncontrolled than when controlled. These changes were not due to a shift in laying date, suggesting instead an adaptive response to changes in food availability.

Abstract: In 2007 we surveyed 11 Little Eagle territories in and near the Australian Capital Territory that were occupied in 1990-92. In addition we solicited reports from Canberra Ornithologists Group (COG) members and ACT Parks, Conservation and Lands personnel in an effort to find all Little Eagle nesting attempts in the ACT in 2007. Of the 11 active 1990-92 territories, all were abandoned by breeding pairs in 2007. In the new survey, aimed at finding all ACT nests, we found two new territories, one near Dunlop and one on the Lions Youth Haven agistment paddock near McQuoids Hill. Adding the pair already known from Fyshwick, this made three breeding pairs in the ACT in 2007. They fledged a total of four young. We discuss the status of breeding Little Eagles in the ACT and future research aims.