New breeding, distribution and prey records for the Pygmy Eagle 'Hieraeetus weiskei'

Abstract

An active nest of the Pygmy Eagle 'Hieraaetus weiskei' is described, providing the first documented observation of a downy chick in late January and hence an indicative laying date of late November/early December. The first documented record of this species for Waigeo Island (West Papua Province) is presented. A prey item being carried by a Pygmy Eagle is identified as a probable Brown (Slender-billed) Cuckoo-Dove 'Macropygia amboinensis', and another Pygmy Eagle had eaten a Mountain Fruit-Dove 'Ptilinopus bellus'.