Feather-toed or Mountain Hawk-Eagle
Spizaetus nipalensis (Hodgson)

Identification: It is a frequent visitor of slender forests, about 69-81 cm. long , with a prominent crest of a few long black feathers sticking out from the back of its crown. It has long, slender, feathered legs and a tail that is cross-barred. Rufous cross-barring can also be seen on the lower belly and thighs and the throat is heavily streaked. The upper part of its body is usually dark gray-brown in colour. The tarsi is feathered down to the toes.

Habitat: It is a bird of forests and hills.

Distribution: It is an irregular summer visitor. It has been reported to occur in well-forested slopes around the lower Neelum, and Jhelum valleys and the Murree hills.

Breeding: It breeds in February, but this period may sometimes extend upto April and even May. Invariably one egg is laid.

Food: Chiefly feeds upon small mammals and birds.

Status: Rare to irregular visitor