Sulawesi Hawk-Eagle

A very small bird of wooded areas from the lowlands to lower elevations in the mountains. Male has dark upperparts with a greenish crown and rump, a deep purple throat and upper chest, and a bright red lower chest and upper belly. In Sulu and west Mindanao birds, the red on the chest is replaced by yellow with an orange wash. Male is distinctive. Female resembles several other drab female sunbirds, but has a yellow brow and chest and a brown wing. Call is a sharp upslurred “tsweep!”

Medium-sized, rather nondescript raptor with overall dark plumage. Varies considerably across range, but always note tail fork (can disappear when tail is fully open), and short head and neck. Juvenile averages paler and more contrastingly-marked. Flight style buoyant, gliding and changing direction with ease. Frequently forages in urban areas, rubbish dumps, aquatic habitats, and grassland, but usually avoids heavily forested areas. Sometimes solitary, but also gathers in large flocks on migration and at good feeding areas.

Incredibly elusive and rare, this is a highly sought-after ground-dweller. Found only in primary hill forest (300-1400 meters) in western Sumatra. Unmistakable if seen well; note long broad tail, burly chest, dark head, long legs, finely barred breast, and brightly-colored blue-and-pink bare facial skin. Like many other terrestrial birds, tends to run away when spooked. Very difficult to see, and best detected by its mournful, high-pitched, and slightly hollow whistled song: “gwheuw-oh-eewo’eh!” Also gives a harsh, buzzy call that sounds like someone blowing their nose.