25-2-2016 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - BOOTED EAGLE (Hieraaetus pennatus)

The Booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) is a small mostly migratory bird of prey with a wide distribution. Despite its small size, the Booted eagle is a fierce hunter that usually captures and kill its prey in its powerful talons.

There are two relatively distinct plumage forms of the Botted eagle. Pale birds are mainly light grey with a darker head and flight feathers. The other form has mid-brown plumage with dark grey flight feathers.

Booted eagles breed in many different regions in both the northern and southern hemisphere. These include southern Europe, North Africa, and across Asia, and also in western South Africa and Namibia. The northern populations are migratory spending November to February in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, while the small southern African populations are sedentary. Booted eagles prefer to live in wooded, often hilly countryside with some open areas. They breed in rocky, broken terrain but migrants may use almost any type of habitat except the dense forest. The birds of the Palearctic breeding population usually nest in coniferous or deciduous woodlands and often in trees.

Booted eagles are active during the day and are typically seen in pairs or as solitary individuals. They fly at relatively low heights, making them conspicuous. Booted eagles typically hunt on the wing, stooping quickly with wings folded in and feet extended. They can also catch insects while walking on the ground. The common call of Booted eagles is a shrill 'kli-kli-kli'.

Booted eagles are monogamous. They form strong pair bonds that last for life. With the start of the breeding season, pairs can be seen circling high above in spectacular display. Egg-laying takes place between March and June. The female lays 1-2 eggs in a nest built from sticks and lined with green leaves in a tree or on a crag, or it takes over the disused nest of another large bird such as a Black kite or Grey heron. The female incubates the egg for around 45 days and is fed by the male during this time. After hatching she guards the nest and the young while the male provides all the food. The chicks fledge after 50-55 days and continue to be fed by both parents for another 2 weeks.

Population size

150-195 Thou

Life Span

12-15 years

Weight

510-1025

goz

g oz 

Length

40

cminch

cm inch 

Wingspan

110-132

cminch

cm inch