Aspects of the breeding cycle of the Little Eagle 'Hieraaetus morphnoides'

Abstract

The breeding biology and behaviour of the Little Eagle 'Hieraaetus morphnoides' were studied throughout 82 hours of observation from the incubation and nestling periods (three nests) to independence of juveniles (n = four families) at Armidale, on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, in spring–summer 2008–09. Incubation commenced in September (two clutches), and fledging occurred from mid to late December (four broods). At two nests, incubation (by both parents, but mostly by the female) lasted >35 days and 38–39 days, respectively. At three nests, females performed most of the parental care, but males shared the brooding or feeding of small chicks. The nestling period at three nests lasted 53–54 days, 58 ± 1 days and ~63 days, respectively. Breeding productivity was 0.86 young per occupied territory in 2008, and 0.67 young/pair/year in 15 pair-years 2006–08. The post-fledging dependence period lasted a minimum of 58–64 days (n = 3).