Cassin's Hawk-Eagle

Aquila africana (Cassin, 1865)

Cassin's Hawk-Eagle, Aquila africana, breeds across Africa and is tied to primary rainforest in the west, centre and marginal east of the continent. It is a forest specialist and is absent from secondary woodland and open country. The species is the smallest member of Aquila and has feathered legs, which place it among the booted eagles. It was first described by Cassin in 1865. Its known prey includes birds and tree squirrels. It is found above the forest canopy and its breeding takes place in trees high over the forest floor.

Order

Accipitriformes

Family

Accipitridae — Kites, Hawks, Eagles

Breeding range

Africa: widespread