Breeding habitat, nest-site characteristics and productivity of the little eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides) near Armidale, New South Wales

摘要: We aimed to elucidate nesting requirements and nest success of the threatened little eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides). Nest sites (n = 12 active 2–5 recent historical nests) near Armidale, New South Wales, were measured in 2017 at three scales: tree, woodland (≤25 m from tree), (using GIS) landscape scale (within 200-m 2-km radii nest). The eagles typically nested ≥14 m above ground canopy emergent (>20 m tall) living eucalypts sheltered positions (midslope, with a north-easterly southerly aspect), patches >5 ha (mean 76 ha), 1 km suburbia, farther sealed roads 832 m) than gravel 490 m) minor tracks 291 m). Breeding productivity 2017–18 (n = 15 18 territories, respectively) was 0.91 young fledged per attempt (clutch laid) 0.67 occupied territory year. used annually for least 3–7 years. abandonments or site shifts associated human disturbance (e.g. clearing, earthmoving, subdivision construction beside patch), death tree stand (‘eucalypt dieback’ rural decline), pindone baiting rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), displacement by wedge-tailed (Aquila audax) ravens (Corvus sp.). As most nests located on private land, we recommend, inter alia, greater protection breeding habitat, foraging regeneration (especially riparian), buffer around established ≥1 km major developments such as urbanisation.