Rarest hawk-eagle

The rarest species of hawk-eagle whose total population size has been estimated during studies is the Flores hawk-eagle Nisaetus floris, which is entirely confined to the small Indonesian islands of Flores, Lombok, Sumbawa and Alor (plus two tiny satellite islets close by) in the Lesser Sundas group. Approximately 150–360 specimens are estimated to survive in the forests of this trio of islands, and the species is categorized as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Ongoing habitat destruction as well as specimen capture for the international pet trade are held responsible for its decline and current perilous status.

The 14 species of hawk-eagle take their name from their superficially hawk-like appearance and smaller size than the more famous, larger species of eagle.

There are two genera of hawk-eagle. The four species of Spizaetus hawk-eagle are confined to the New World, and the 10 species of Nisaetus hawk-eagle are confined to the Old World.