MOUNTAIN HAWK-EAGLES LANGKAWI — THE RARE RAPTORS OF GUNUNG RAYA

Wildlife Rescue | Birding Langkawi

MOUNTAIN HAWK-EAGLES LANGKAWI — THE LEGEND OF THE SCAR

The first sighting of a Mountain Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus nipalensis) by Irshad Mobarak was in 1989. Since then, we have recorded at least four resident pairs on the island. These medium-large raptors are powerful hunters, often causing a hush to fall over the rainforest as small mammals and birds lie low in fear for their lives.

One particular encounter in June 2007 remains unforgettable. During a period of heavy haze, Irshad rescued a young adult Mountain Hawk-Eagle from three men by the roadside. The bird was weak and starving, unable to hunt through the thick smoke. While checking the rescued bird, it sank its powerful talons deep into the palm of the handler—a "particular" scar that is still worn with pride today as a symbol of the bird's survival.

Where to Spot Them

Unlike the more common White-bellied Sea Eagle, the Mountain Hawk-Eagle is a master of the high-altitude forest. They are most frequently spotted soaring near the summit of Gunung Raya, the highest peak in Langkawi. Both males and females share similar plumage, making them a challenge to distinguish, but their majestic presence in the sky is unmistakable.

Observing these eagles in the wild is a rare privilege. They represent the health of Langkawi’s remaining rainforest, acting as apex predators that keep the ecosystem in balance. To protect them, we must continue our campaign to conserve the island's vital forest habitats.

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EXPERIENCE THE RAPTORS OF LANGKAWI