When I took the photo of this bird it was known as the crested hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus), and was distinguished from the changeable hawk-eagle. Now I’m supposed to call it a changeable hawk-eagle (crested). The reason is that genetic data is unable to distinguish the two. But genetic data has lumped together a variety of related species across South and South-East Asia, from central India to the Philippines and the islands in the Banda Sea. Over years of following such data I learnt that as the number of individuals whose genes are sequenced grows, the ability to make finer distinctions improves. So the story will change in future.
I’d seen this individual in the Tadoba-Andhari tiger reserve almost exactly a decade ago, when I got a zoom appropriate for bird photography. That was the end of the time when I would have to sneak up close to a bird and take a shot. Still, this was a hard shot, because of the light. I’m happy it came out recognizable at all.
There aren’t many places on WordPress where bird watchers can share posts. If you post any photos of birds this week (starting today and up to next Monday), it would be great if you could leave a link in the comments, or a pingback, for others to follow. You don’t have to post a recent photo, nor do you have to post a photo of the same bird as mine. It would be helpful to give as much information as you can, for example which bird it is, where and when you saw the bird, any behaviour you found interesting, or anything else you wish. You might consider using the tag “Bird of the Week” to help other search for old posts. I hope you’ve had the time to look at what others have added in this week and earlier.
Don't hold your breath 