SRI LANKA ~Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Yala National Park ~

...A majestic bird observing the area...bit confusing name "hawk-eagle"^^... this is postcard nr 11 from the wonderful "Yala National Park" serie...only one more to go...I'm really curious about the animal shown on nr 12!! Thanks a lot Ravindra!!!


This time with one small  nice Astronomy stamp and  very clear postmark!
(Issued 09-10-2007)

The changeable hawk eagle is a large bird of prey that is frequently seen in large numbers at Yala National Park.

At a size of around 60-75cm, this  hawk eagle is a medium sized raptor with a plumage that changes color with maturity, earning it the name of ‘changeable hawk eagle’. Adult changeable hawk eagles have a much darker, dirtier-looking plumage, whereas the jounger birds have a more clean looking pale plumage with some white under and upper parts.

Mostly  spotted singly, sitting on trees surrounding open areas and  tend to sit bolt upright on a perch, waiting for their prey, before swooping in for the kill, and carrying off their prey in their talons. Crested hawk eagles will feed on mammals, and reptiles, and can even eat birds of medium size such as pheasants.