Manipur: Mathew tribe rescues Indian crested hawk-eagle in Tamenglong

Imphal: The Indian crested hawk-eagle, also known as the changeable hawk-eagle or marsh hawk-eagle, a large bird of prey with the scientific name Nisaetus cirrhatus was rescued in Manipur’s Tamenglong district bordering Assam and Nagaland on the north, officials said on Friday.

This endangered species and the most common Asiatic hawk-eagle species was rescued by one tribe namely Mathew, a resident of Sangrungpang village of Tamenglong district. 

Kh Hitler Singh, District Forest Officer Tamenglong, said that the recent hailstorm in Manipur that happened on May 5, may become a deterrent for these hawk-eagles to come to this part in the near future.  

This bird is found primarily in India, Sri Lanka, the Andaman Islands, the Philippines, Borneo, and the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Java, and the Greater Sundas.

The rescued bird has been handed over to the Manipur Zoological Gardens for proper treatment and culturing.

Notably, the Indian crested hawk-eagle is a Schedule-I species under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 of India.

The Indian crested hawk-eagle eats a wide range of small animals, including fish, frogs, snakes, bats, mice, lizards, and insects.

It also scavenges food and perches in exposed locations to hunt, usually high up. It's a relatively timid bird and is often harassed by crows that try to steal its food.

Its call is a hoarse, wheezy squeal.