12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE (Clanga clanga)

The greater spotted eagle (Clanga clanga), also called the spotted eagle, is a large migratory bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. Its feathered legs indicate that it is a member of the subfamily Aquilinae, also known as the "booted eagles." This species was once thought to be a member of the genus Aquila, but was reclassified to a distinct genus, Clanga, along with the two other species of spotted eagle.

During the breeding season, greater spotted eagles are widely distributed across Eastern Europe, parts of Central Europe, central Russia, Central Asia, parts of China, the Indian Subcontinent and the upper Middle East. During winter, they migrate primarily to South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean Basin and parts of East Africa.

Greater spotted eagles favor wetter habitats than most booted eagles, preferring riparian zones as well as bogs, lakes, ponds, some coasts, and other bodies of water surrounded by woodland or forested land. Floodplains are the primary breeding sites, especially ones that experience high water levels. During winter and migration they often seek out similar wetland habitats, but have also been observed in dry upland areas such as savanna plateaus.