Greater Spotted Eagle Bird Details
Clanga clanga
Greater Spotted Eagle,Clanga Eagle, Spotted Eagle;
Bada Dhabbedar Cheel
Peter Simon Pallas, 1811
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Clanga
Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, and parts of Kazakhstan, India, Pakistan, and Sudan and Ethiopia.
Appearance :
The Greater Spotted Eagle has a brown body with lighter spots on the wings and back. The head and neck are usually lighter and have a distinctive appearance compared to the rest of the body. Juveniles are darker and have more extensive spotting. This eagle is notable for its impressive size and striking appearance.
Behaviour :
The eagle is known for its soaring flight and can often be seen gliding with its wings held in a slight dihedral (V-shape). They are generally solitary outside the breeding season and can be territorial during breeding.
Habitat :
They prefer a range of habitats including open forests, woodlands, and areas near wetlands. They often choose areas with a mix of open space and cover.
Diet :
Their diet primarily consists of small to medium-sized mammals, birds, and reptiles. They may also feed on insects and amphibians.
Conservation Status :
Vulnerable
Distribution :
The Greater Spotted Eagle breeds in parts of Eastern Europe and Asia, including countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and parts of Kazakhstan. They migrate to Africa and South Asia for the winter.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated to be between 4,000 and 10,000 individuals.
Life Span :
In the wild, Greater Spotted Eagles can live up to 20 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Medium-sized raptor with robust build and strong wings. The body is predominantly brown with lighter spots and streaks, especially on the wings and back.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 9.5 to 11.5 cm (3.7 to 4.5 inches). The tarsus is the portion of the leg between the knee and the foot.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Proportioned with a somewhat rounded shape, and covered with feathers that are lighter in color compared to the rest of the body. The head is relatively small compared to the body.
- Bill: Strong and hooked, adapted for tearing flesh.
- Bill Length: About 4 to 5 cm (1.6 to 2 inches), though this can vary slightly.
Length :
Typically ranges from 60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 inches) from beak to tail.
Neck :
Moderately long and slender, allowing the bird to have a good range of motion for spotting prey.
Size :
The Greater Spotted Eagle is considered a medium-sized eagle, with a robust and powerful build.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Long and relatively narrow, aiding in maneuverability during flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 23 to 28 cm (9 to 11 inches).
Weight :
Males generally weigh between 1.8 to 2.5 kg (4 to 5.5 lbs), while females are slightly larger, weighing around 2.5 to 3.3 kg (5.5 to 7.3 lbs).
Wing :
The wings are broad and rounded, which is typical for soaring birds. They have a slight dihedral (V-shape) when in flight.
Wing Span :
Ranges from 165 to 190 cm (65 to 75 inches).
Facial Feature :
The facial features include a relatively small, rounded head with a strong, hooked beak and keen, yellowish eyes. The face is covered with lighter feathers compared to the rest of the body.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is usually large and bulky, built high in trees or on cliffs. It is often situated near water bodies or in forested areas.
- Nest Made Up Of: Nests are constructed using sticks, branches, and other plant materials. They are lined with leaves, grass, and feathers for insulation and comfort.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period generally starts in late March to early April.
Nesting Season :
Nesting typically takes place from April to July.
Egg Color :
The eggs are generally pale blue or greenish-blue with speckling that can vary in intensity. The speckles are often dark brown or reddish.
Egg Length :
Eggs measure about 6.2 to 7.3 cm (2.4 to 2.9 inches) in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs is approximately 4.8 to 5.6 cm (1.9 to 2.2 inches).
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs between 90 to 120 grams (3.2 to 4.2 ounces).
Clutch Size :
Typically, the clutch consists of 2 to 3 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Usually, there is only one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 35 to 40 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestlings fledge (leave the nest) around 45 to 55 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
The Greater Spotted Eagle’s vocalizations include a range of whistles, mewing, and chattering calls, particularly during the breeding season.
Sex Demorphism :
There is slight sexual dimorphism in size, with females being larger than males. However, distinguishing between the sexes visually is not always easy without close observation.
Migration Details :
The Greater Spotted Eagle is migratory, with breeding populations in Europe and Asia migrating to Africa and South Asia for the winter. Migration typically occurs from late August to October for the southward journey, and from March to May for the northward return.
