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Small, stocky eagle often mistaken for a kite.
NSW: Vulnerable; VIC: Vulnerable; WA: Vulnerable
Endemic to Australia
Indigenous: Australian Little Eagle
At a glance
FamilyHawks, Eagles, and Kites
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatOpen country, coast, woodland edge, river corridors, and thermal-rich skies over fields or ridgelines.
Best timeReported across most months in Victoria, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Iain Woxvold
Range map
Range map
6566visible hotspots
50546visible records
5states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Both light and dark morphs occur in varying frequencies throughout its extensive range. In flight note diagnostic black wingtips and tail barring. Can raise feathers on the back of the head to form a small black crest. Usually solitary.
Behavior
Easily confused with Whistling Kite, but Little Eagle has shorter tail and dark leading edge to the wings.
Gallery