Flores Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus floris) Science Article 1
abstract
The Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus complex ranges from India (cirrhatus) through South-East Asia (mainly limnaeetus) to Flores, Sumbawa and Lombok, Indonesia (floris). The latter taxon is morphologically very distinct from the widespread limnaeetus. It has diagnostic white patches on the upperside of the inner parts of the primaries, a juvenile-like adult plumage, and it is much larger than limnaeetus. It is allopatric with limnaeetus without any known geographical overlap. The large morphological differences indicate that the two taxa are reproductively isolated. We suggest that floris be treated as a distinct species with the English name of Flores Hawk Eagle.
J. O. GJERSHAUG, K. KVALOY et al., FORKTAIL 20 (2004): 55-62