Imperial Eagle Bird Details
Aquila heliaca
Imperial Eagle,eastern imperial eagle;
Samrat Garuda, Shaheen
Peter Simon Pallas in 1811.
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Aquila
Russia, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey, India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab), Pakistan, the Middle East, and occasionally in Africa.
Appearance :
The Imperial Eagle is a large, majestic bird with a dark brown body and lighter golden-brown feathers on its nape and shoulders. The underparts are paler, and the tail is broad and slightly rounded. Adults have a striking golden-buff color on their neck and head, while juveniles are paler overall with more mottled plumage.
Behaviour :
Imperial Eagles are generally solitary or form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They are territorial and defend their nesting sites aggressively. However, they may gather in larger numbers in areas with abundant food sources, especially during migration.
Habitat :
These eagles are found in open forests, grasslands, and steppe environments. They prefer areas with scattered trees or woodlands that provide nesting sites and wide open spaces for hunting.
Diet :
Imperial Eagles are carnivorous and primarily feed on medium-sized mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles. Their prey includes hares, rodents, and ground-dwelling birds like partridges. They are opportunistic hunters and may also scavenge.
Conservation Status :
Vulnerable
Distribution :
The Imperial Eagle is found across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East. Its range extends from southeastern Europe through southern Russia, Kazakhstan, and into northern China. It migrates to wintering grounds in the Middle East, India, and occasionally Africa.
Population Size :
The global population of the Imperial Eagle is estimated to be between 3,000 to 5,000 individuals.
Life Span :
In the wild, the average lifespan of the Imperial Eagle is around 20 to 25 years. In captivity.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Imperial Eagle is a large, powerful bird with a broad, robust body. Its wings are long and broad, making it an efficient soarer. The adult plumage is a dark brown overall with lighter, golden feathers on the nape and shoulders, giving it a distinctive appearance.
- Tarsus: The tarsus (the part of the leg between the foot and the knee) of the Imperial Eagle is typically 8 to 9 cm long, strong, and covered in feathers. This powerful tarsus allows the eagle to grasp and subdue prey effectively.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head of the Imperial Eagle is large and broad, with golden-brown feathers on the crown and nape.
- Eyes: Its eyes are yellow with an intense, predatory gaze, and the head shape, along with the large bill, reflects its powerful hunting ability.
- Bill: The bill is large, hooked, and dark at the tip, ideal for tearing into flesh. The base of the bill, called the cere, is yellow.
- Bill Length: The bill length is approximately 4 to 5 cm, reflecting its ability to handle larger prey items.
Length :
The Imperial Eagle typically measures between 72 cm to 84 cm (28 to 33 inches) in length from the tip of the bill to the tip of the tail.
Neck :
The neck is strong and well-muscled, supporting the large head.
Size :
The Imperial Eagle is a large bird of prey.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is relatively long and broad, with a slightly rounded tip. The tail provides stability during flight and is used for steering.
- Tail Length: The tail length is approximately 27 cm to 33 cm, contributing to its excellent ability to maneuver in the air.
- Feathers: The feathers of the Imperial Eagle are primarily dark brown, with lighter golden-brown feathers on the nape and shoulders. Juvenile birds have a more mottled appearance, with paler brown feathers and more pronounced white spots, especially on the wing coverts.
Weight :
Males weigh around 2.5 kg to 4.5 kg (5.5 to 9.9 lbs), while females, being larger, weigh between 3.5 kg to 5 kg (7.7 to 11 lbs).
Wing :
The wings are broad and long, providing the eagle with excellent gliding capabilities.
Wing Span :
The wingspan of the Imperial Eagle ranges from 190 cm to 215 cm (6.2 to 7 feet).
Facial Feature :
The Imperial Eagle has a distinctive facial appearance. It has piercing yellow eyes and a strong, hooked bill. The head is covered with golden-brown feathers, which contrast with the dark brown body. The cere (fleshy part at the base of the beak) is yellow.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Imperial Eagle builds large nests, typically located high in trees or on cliffs. They often reuse the same nest for many years, adding more materials each season, which makes the nests grow larger over time.
- Nest Made Up of: The nest is primarily made up of sticks and branches, with a softer lining of grass, leaves, and animal fur. The nest is built to be sturdy and spacious to accommodate the growing chicks.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season generally begins in March or April
Nesting Season :
Nesting takes place in the spring.
Egg Color :
The eggs of the Imperial Eagle are typically pale white or light brown with varying degrees of dark brown speckling or blotches.
Egg Length :
Eggs are usually around 65 mm to 77 mm in length
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the egg ranges from 52 mm to 56 mm.
- Egg Weight: The eggs of the Imperial Eagle generally weigh around 110 to 130 grams.
Clutch Size :
The typical clutch size is 1 to 3 eggs, though 2 eggs are most common.
No. of Broods :
The Imperial Eagle raises one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts for about 43 to 45 day
Nestling Period :
After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for about 60 to 77 days.
Vocalization :
The Imperial Eagle's calls are often described as sharp, high-pitched screams or "kwii-kwii" sounds.
Sex Demorphism :
Females being significantly larger than males.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: The Imperial Eagle is a partial migrant. While some populations remain resident throughout the year, others, particularly from the northern parts of their range (Eastern Europe and Central Asia), migrate to warmer areas in the winter.
- Migration Period: Migration generally occurs between September and November for birds heading to wintering grounds and between March and May for the return migration to breeding areas.
- Migration Route: The migration route takes Imperial Eagles from their breeding grounds in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to their wintering areas in India, the Middle East, and occasionally as far as North Africa. They follow mountain ranges and coastlines to avoid crossing large bodies of water, using thermal currents to soar during migration.
