FAMILY NAME: Accipitridae SCIENTIFIC NAME: Haliastur indus SUBSPECIES: none
SIZE: 45 to 50cm. (18 to 20") tip to tail. 1.25m (4') wingspan.
LOCATION: Found along coastal regions of Australia, from the mid west, across the north, and down to the mid east.
A locally nomadic bird
BREEDING: Breeding season is from April to October, laying from 1 to 2 eggs. Both the male and female incubate and feed their young. The nest is built in living trees, especially in mangroves.
GENERAL: A medium sized raptor, found around mangroves and estuaries. They feed on carrion, insects, reptiles and fish. Stealing prey from other birds, whilst in flight, is common for them.
Easily recognised with a white head and breast, the remainder being chestnut and the tail tips paler.
References:
Michael Morecombe. Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.
Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day. The Birds of Australia.
M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly. The Atlas of Australian Birds.
Birds in Backyards. www.birdsinbackyards.net
