Basic Information
Scientific classification
- Chinese name: Crested Eagle
- Scientific name: Accipiter trivirgatus
- Classification: Birds of prey
- Family and genus: Accipitridae (Family Accipitridae), genus Accipitridae
Vital signs data
- Body length: 41–46 cm (females are larger); wingspan approximately 75–88 cm
- Weight: Males 220–350 g; Females 355–620 g
- Lifespan: Approximately 8–12 years in the wild; longer in captivity.
Significant features
A predator that ambushes birds of prey in the forest; short, broad wings and a long tail; a distinctive crest; dimorphic in sexes; adaptable to urban breeding.
Distribution and Habitat
South Asia and Southeast Asia to southern China and Taiwan; evergreen broad-leaved forests, secondary forests, hills and large urban green spaces.
Appearance
Upperparts dark/greyish-brown; dense horizontal bars on the chest and abdomen; fine white longitudinal stripes on the throat; yellow-orange iris; yellow legs; crest on the head.
Detailed introduction
The crested goshawk ( Accipiter trivirgatus ) is a common medium-sized forest-dwelling raptor in tropical and subtropical Asia. It possesses an erect crest of feathers, and its short, broad wings and long tail allow it to move nimbly through the forest. IUCN: Least Concern (LC) .
Ecology and Behavior
They primarily feed on birds, squirrels, rodents, and lizards, ambushing prey at forest edges or sneaking through the woods; they are adapted to nesting in urban parks and school campuses. Females are larger. They breed in spring and summer, nesting in trees.
Key points for identification
Distinct crest; upperparts dark brown to greyish-brown; dense horizontal bars on the breast and abdomen; white throat with fine longitudinal stripes; iris yellow to orange; legs yellow. Compared to the goshawk/sparrowhawk, the head is thicker and the bars are denser.
distributed
From the Indian subcontinent through the Indochina Peninsula, the Malay Peninsula and archipelago, the Philippines, Indonesia to southern China and Taiwan; mostly resident birds, with some short migrations. Prefers evergreen broad-leaved forests, secondary forests, and large urban green spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How to distinguish it from a goshawk/sparrowhawk? The crest is more prominent and the horizontal bars on the chest and abdomen are denser; the goshawk is larger and the sparrowhawk is smaller and has thinner and longer legs.
Q2: Will they breed in the city? Yes, they nest in tall trees in parks and school campuses.
Q3: Main diet? Small to medium-sized birds and mammals, also preying on lizards and large insects.
Q4: Is it dangerous to people? Usually not; during the breeding season, approaching the nesting area may result in a low-altitude warning, so keep your distance.
