So when Lilly Culverson came across the carcass of one of the brilliant birds on her property this week it came as a shock, especially when she discovered the bullet wound which had caused its death.

"Initially I thought it must've been a fox," she said. "But it had a round, distinct, whole through its chest."

Little Eagles are native to Australia and listed by the Office of Environment and Heritage as 'threatened', the category just before 'endangered.'

As part of the listing they are protected under state legislation.

Mrs Culverson said the birds would make an easy target for a hunters, as they fly low over her yard, teasing her dogs.

"They always fly low enough for me to see the beautiful markings on their wings," she said.

"I just can't imagine why anyone would want do it. It's not like they kill sheep or anything."

In NSW, the penalties for offences associated with illegal hunting range from on the spot fines of $300 per offence to a maximum $22,000 and or six months in prison.

Having lived on the property for 55 years, Mrs Culverson said she's never heard of illegal activity in the area.

She said she thinks the person responsible probably saw the act as 'a bit of fun'.

"I'd like the person to think about the fact that it's illegal," she said.

"I felt so upset about it. It just isn't acceptable. They're such beautiful birds."

The public can report illegal hunting to the Office of Environment and heritage on 1300 361 967 or the NSW police force on 131 444.