Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata) is a formidable bird of prey, medium-sized within the eagle family. Its robust build and elongated legs equipped with powerful talons are characteristic of the Aquilinae, or booted eagle subfamily, to which it belongs. The species is named after the Italian ornithologist Franco Andrea Bonelli.
Adult Bonelli's Eagles are dark brown above, with a white throat and a cream-colored underside marked with sparse blackish-brown streaks. A distinctive feature in adults is a white patch on the mantle, which varies in size. Juveniles are lighter brown with a rusty head and show a more rufous underside with minimal streaking. In flight, the species exhibits broad, long wings and a long tail, with a distinctive white patch on the upper wings visible from below.
Bonelli's Eagles favor hilly or mountainous terrains with rocky outcrops, from sea level to 1,500 meters. Habitats range from open to wooded land and can vary from arid to semi-moist climates.
The species breeds from Southern Europe to Africa along the Sahara Desert's montane perimeter and across the Indian Subcontinent to Indonesia. It is largely resident, though juveniles may disperse widely.
Bonelli's Eagles are solitary or form breeding pairs, displaying remarkable aerial skills. They are known for their powerful hunting techniques, often utilizing surprise attacks from perches or agile pursuits in open terrain.
The species is mostly silent outside the breeding season. Its call is a loud, shrill scream, used primarily during courtship displays.
Bonelli's Eagles typically mate for life, with courtship involving spectacular aerial displays. They build large nests on cliffs or trees, laying usually two eggs. The young are dependent on their parents for up to 11 weeks post-fledging.
The species can be confused with the honey buzzard due to its polymorphic plumage, but differences in shape, flight, and habitat use are usually distinctive.
Bonelli's Eagles have a varied diet, with a preference for medium-sized birds and mammals like rabbits and pigeons. They are skilled hunters, often taking prey by surprise or in agile chases.
Despite being classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, Bonelli's Eagle has experienced significant declines in parts of its range due to habitat destruction, electrocution from power lines, and persecution. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat preservation and reducing human-caused mortality.
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