Lesser Spotted Eagle Bird Details
Clanga pomarina
Lesser Spotted Eagle
NA
Christian Ludwig Brehm, 1831
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Clanga
- Breeding Countries: Countries including Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and some regions in the Balkans.
- Wintering Countries: Various sub-Saharan African nations such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Appearance :
Plumage generally dark brown with lighter mottling. Adults have a pale buff-colored nape and a darker, almost blackish-brown head. The tail is usually darker with some pale streaking. The lesser spotted eagle has a more slender build compared to other eagles. It shows a distinct contrast between the darker wings and the paler underparts.
Behaviour :
Often soars high in the sky, sometimes performing slow, graceful wingbeats. Mostly solitary or seen in pairs, especially during the breeding season. They are known to be more secretive compared to other eagle species.
Habitat :
Open woodlands, forest edges, and grasslands. They prefer areas with a mix of open space and wooded patches. ypically nest in trees, but can also use large shrubs. They prefer locations that offer some cover and are close to water bodies.
Diet :
Small to medium-sized mammals, birds, and insects. They may also feed on reptiles and amphibians. They hunt from a perch or during slow soaring flights, using keen eyesight to spot prey.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Eastern Europe and parts of northern Europe, extending into western Asia. Migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya and Tanzania.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated to be between 40,000 and 70,000 individuals.
Life Span :
Around 15-20 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Lesser Spotted Eagle has a slender and elongated body compared to some other eagles. It exhibits a generally dark, mottled brown appearance with lighter tones on the neck and underparts.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 7-8 cm (2.8-3.1 inches). The tarsus is the portion of the leg between the knee and the foot.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small and somewhat narrow compared to other eagles. It is darker brown with a paler buff-colored nape and a darker crown.
- Bill: The bill is hooked and fairly strong, adapted for tearing flesh. It is yellowish at the base and darker towards the tip.
- Bill Length: About 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 inches).
Length :
Ranges from 50 to 58 cm (20-23 inches), measured from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail.
Neck :
The neck is relatively short and not very pronounced, blending smoothly into the body. It often has a lighter color compared to the rest of the body.
Size :
Medium-sized eagle, not as large as some other eagles but still a prominent raptor.
Tail Details :
Tail: The tail is relatively long and slender, with a dark brown color that may show some pale streaking. It is used for steering during flight.
Tail Length: Approximately 20-25 cm (8-10 inches).
Weight :
Generally between 1.5 to 2.5 kg (3.3-5.5 lbs).
Wing :
The wings are long and narrow, with a slightly rounded tip. They are adapted for soaring and gliding rather than fast, flapping flight.
Wing Span :
Approximately 140-165 cm (55-65 inches).
Facial Feature :
The Lesser Spotted Eagle has a relatively small and narrow head with a distinctive pale nape and darker crown. The eyes are yellow with a piercing look typical of raptors.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is generally built in tall trees or sometimes in large shrubs. It is constructed in a relatively high location to provide safety from predators.
- Nest Composition: Nests are made of sticks, branches, and other vegetation. They are often lined with softer materials like leaves, grass, and sometimes feathers to provide comfort for the eggs and chicks.
Breeding Season :
ypically from late April to early August.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season aligns with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically pale blue or greenish with darker speckles.
Egg Length :
Approximately 6.0-7.0 cm (2.4-2.8 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 4.5-5.0 cm (1.8-2.0 inches).
- Egg Weight: About 90-100 grams (3.2-3.5 ounces) per egg.
Clutch Size :
Usually 2 eggs, but sometimes 1 or 3 eggs can be laid.
No. of Broods :
Usually 1 brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Approximately 35-40 days.
Nestling Period :
Chicks fledge (develop enough to fly) approximately 40-45 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
The calls are generally a series of high-pitched, whistling notes, which can vary in intensity and pattern.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are slightly larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: The Lesser Spotted Eagle is a migratory species. It breeds in Europe and western Asia and migrates to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter.
- Migration Period: Migration occurs in two phases: southward migration from late August to October, and northward migration from March to early May.
