Booted Eagle, Aquila pennata Bird Details
Hieraaetus pennatus
Booted Eagle, Aquila pennata,Little Booted Eagle, Western Booted Eagle, Booted Hawk Eagle;
Nanha Baaj
Johann Friedrich Gmelin, 1788
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Hieraaetus
Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Iran, India and parts of Central Asia and North Africa.
Appearance :
The Booted Eagle is a medium-sized raptor with a distinctive appearance. Adults have a varied plumage that can range from pale to dark brown. They typically have a white or pale underside with a darker streaked pattern. Their legs are feathered down to the toes, which gives them a "booted" appearance. The wings and tail are usually dark brown with light barring.
Behaviour :
This eagle is known for its solitary nature. It is often seen soaring high in the sky or perched on a prominent lookout point. During the breeding season, they are more territorial and engage in aerial displays and calls to defend their nesting territory. Their flight is powerful, and they have a distinctive gliding motion.
Habitat :
The Booted Eagle prefers a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and semi-desert regions. They are adaptable and can be found in both lowland and mountainous areas.
Diet :
The Booted Eagle primarily preys on small to medium-sized mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, as well as birds and insects. They are skilled hunters, often using their sharp talons to capture prey.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Booted Eagle has a wide distribution across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. In Europe, it can be found in southern and eastern regions, while in Asia, its range extends into parts of the Middle East and Central Asia.
Population Size :
There are approximately 10,000-100,000 individuals.
Life Span :
In the wild, Booted Eagles typically live between 10 to 15 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Booted Eagle is a medium-sized raptor with a robust body built for hunting. Its overall appearance is somewhat compact compared to other eagles, with a relatively short, broad wingspan and a proportionate tail.
- Tarsus Length:
The tarsus, or the part of the leg between the knee and the foot, typically measures about 6.5 to 7.5 cm (2.6 to 3.0 inches) in length.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head of the Booted Eagle is relatively small compared to its body. It is characterized by a strong, hooked beak and a sharp, keen expression. The head feathers can be light to dark brown, often blending with the overall body coloration.
- Bill, Bill Length:
The bill of the Booted Eagle is strong and hooked, adapted for tearing flesh. The bill length is approximately 3.5 to 4 cm (1.4 to 1.6 inches).
Length :
The total length of the Booted Eagle ranges from about 43 to 53 cm (17 to 21 inches) from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail.
Neck :
The neck is relatively short and sturdy, supporting the head and allowing the eagle to have a broad field of vision. It is well-feathered and blends into the body.
Size :
The Booted Eagle is considered a medium-sized eagle. It is smaller than many other eagles but still robust and powerfu
Tail Details :
- Tail:
The tail is moderately long and tapered, aiding in maneuverability during flight. It is often dark brown with light barring. The tail length generally ranges from about 18 to 23 cm.
Weight :
Females typically weigh between 700 to 1,000 grams (1.5 to 2.2 pounds), while males weigh between 600 to 900 grams (1.3 to 2.0 pounds).
Wing :
The wings of the Booted Eagle are broad and somewhat rounded, which helps in soaring and gliding.
Wing Span :
ranges from about 110 to 130 cm (43 to 51 inches).
Facial Feature :
Booted Eagles have a strong, hooked beak and keen eyes. Their facial features are designed for hunting, with a sharp, alert appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Booted Eagles build large nests, which are usually situated in tall trees or on cliff ledges. The nests are substantial structures, often located high above the ground.
- Nest Made Up Of:
The nest is constructed from a variety of materials including sticks, branches, and leaves. It may also include bits of cloth, feathers, and other debris. The interior is often lined with softer materials such as moss or grass.
Breeding Season :
The Booted Eagle typically breeds from late winter to early summer.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season generally begins around March and extends through July.
Egg Color :
Booted Eagle eggs are typically white to pale cream with speckling that can range from light brown to reddish-brown.
Egg Length :
The length of Booted Eagle eggs ranges from about 4.5 to 5.0 cm (1.8 to 2.0 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs is approximately 3.5 to 3.8 cm (1.4 to 1.5 inches).
- Egg Weight:
Each egg weighs about 40 to 50 grams (1.4 to 1.8 ounces).
Clutch Size :
The clutch size generally consists of 1 to 3 eggs, with 2 being the most common.
No. of Broods :
Booted Eagles usually raise one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts approximately 35 to 40 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestling period lasts about 40 to 45 days.
Vocalization :
Booted Eagles produce a range of vocalizations, including whistles and screeches. These calls are used for communication between mates and to defend their territory.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger and heavier than males. Males and females have similar plumage, but females have a more robust build.
Migration Details :
Booted Eagles are partially migratory. In Europe and parts of Asia, they migrate from their breeding grounds to wintering areas in southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. Migration typically occurs between September and November, with return migration happening from March to April.
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