Legge's Hawk-Eagle

Rather large, slim hawk-eagle with a white-tipped crest, streaked gray cheeks, and long feathered legs. It has strongly barred broad wings and a long tail. Unlike the otherwise very similar Crested Hawk-Eagle, the streaking on Legge’s is restricted to the upper breast, and its breast, belly, and thighs are strongly barred. Has an upright stance when seen perched in the canopy of forested hills.

In Sri Lanka, Legge's Hawk-Eagle primarily inhabits the mountain woodlands of the wet zone, particularly in the southwestern region, where it is often found soaring high in trees within primary evergreen forests and forest patches; it is considered a breeding resident in the foothills of the country.

Legge's hawk-eagle preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It has been observed hunting prey of considerable size, such as the Indian peafowl, which can weigh between 2.8 to 4 kg.