Little Eagle

The Little Eagle is a compact raptor widespread across mainland Australia, occupying open woodland, farmland, and grassland. It is the smallest of Australia's booted eagles, sharing the feathered legs and general structure of its larger relatives but at a notably reduced size.

In flight, a pale patch is visible at the base of the outer primaries on the upperwing, sometimes called 'landing lights,' a useful feature for identification at a distance. Wings are broad relative to the bird's small size, the tail is short and square-cut, and a small crest is often visible on the nape. Pale morph individuals show strong contrast between dark flight feathers and paler body and covert feathers, while dark morph birds are more uniformly rich brown throughout.

The pale morph is mostly light brown to buff with a darker back and dark flight feathers, while the dark morph is rich brown throughout with less contrast. Juveniles tend to be more rufous-toned than adults. Sexes are similar in plumage, though as with most raptors females average larger than males.

This species occupies open woodland, farmland, and grassland throughout mainland Australia. Most populations are resident or show only local movements rather than long-distance migration.

It hunts rabbits, birds, and reptiles, either from a perch or during soaring flight, followed by a fast stoop onto prey. Nests are stick platforms built in a tall tree, and the species gives a shrill call, particularly during territorial and courtship displays.