Javan Hawk-Eagle

Nisaetus bartelsi

Endemic to Java, endangered, and the real-world model for the Garuda. Crested, rufous-necked, hunts from the canopy.

Population: Roughly 325 breeding pairs (approx. 600-900 mature individuals) as of ~February 2012 assessments; independently corroborated (Wikipedia + AllAboutBirds-derived content both cite the same Feb 2012 / ~325-pairs figure), but ultimately traces to a single original count that has not been updated in more recent accessible sources
Habitat: Dense, often inaccessible rugged primary humid tropical forest — lowland evergreen through lower and upper montane rainforest, especially with Rasamala (Altingia excelsa) trees — roughly 500-2,000 m elevation (some sources describe it extending down to true lowlands)
Fun fact: The Javan Hawk-Eagle is Indonesia's national bird and is widely believed to be the real-life model for Garuda, the mythical bird depicted in the national emblem Garuda Pancasila — independently corroborated via both Wikipedia and Cornell AllAboutBirds-derived content in this pass.
Range: Endemic to the island of Java, Indonesia, with a total range of roughly 14,000-14,400 km2 across West, Central, and East Java (confirmed on Sempu Island, Bromo Tengger Semeru, Meru Betiri, and Alas Purwo National Parks)
Diet: Carnivorous: small mammals (including tree squirrels and rats, with a documented preference for Javanese rats), birds, fruit bats, reptiles such as lizards, and occasionally carrion/fish
Size: 0.61 m
Lifespan: 21.5 years

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