Black Eagle,Asian Black Eagle, Indian Black Eagle;
Kala Cheel
Coenraad Jacob Temminck, 1822
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Ictinia
India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and sometimes extending into the Philippines and southern China.
Appearance :
Adults are mostly black with a distinctive white patch on the base of the tail. They have a yellowish beak and legs. Typically brown with lighter streaks and a more mottled appearance compared to the adults.
Behaviour :
They are known to be territorial and can be seen patrolling their range. Usually solitary or found in pairs. They are generally quiet but can emit a variety of calls, especially during courtship or territorial disputes.
Habitat :
They inhabit dense forests, particularly in hilly or mountainous areas. They are often found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Diet :
Mainly small to medium-sized mammals, birds, and reptiles. They also hunt large insects and occasionally take carrion.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Black Eagle is found across Southeast Asia. This includes countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Population Size :
There are approximately 10,000-100,000 birds spread.
Life Span :
Typically around 10 to 15 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
Body: The Black Eagle is a robust and powerful raptor with a broad, strong body, designed for hunting and soaring.
Tarsus Length: Approximately 7 to 8 cm (2.8 to 3.1 inches). This is the length of the leg segment between the knee and the foot.
Head And Bill :
Head: Proportionally large with a strong, hooked beak, suited for tearing flesh. The head is covered in black feathers with a distinctive yellowish facial skin around the base of the beak.
Bill: The bill is strong, hooked, and well-adapted for a carnivorous diet.
Bill Length: The bill length is about 3.5 to 4 cm (1.4 to 1.6 inches).
Length :
Approximately 65 to 75 cm (25.5 to 29.5 inches) from head to tail.
Neck :
Relatively short compared to the body length, typical for raptors, with feathers extending to form a strong, muscular neck.
Size :
Medium-sized raptor with a robust build.
Tail Details :
Tail: Long and broad, aiding in maneuverability during flight. The tail is usually black with a distinctive white base.
Tail Length: About 30 to 35 cm (11.8 to 13.8 inches)
Weight :
Typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 kg (3.3 to 5.5 lbs). Females are usually heavier than males.
Wing :
Broad and slightly rounded, adapted for soaring and gliding. The wings are powerful with a strong musculature for long flights.
Wing Span :
Approximately 1.6 to 1.8 meters (5.2 to 5.9 feet).
Facial Feature :
The Black Eagle has a distinctive facial appearance with a powerful hooked beak and yellowish facial skin around the base of the beak. The face is generally dark and blends with its black plumage.
Nest Details :
Nest: The nest is large and typically constructed in the fork of a tree or on a high cliff ledge. It is often situated high above the ground, providing safety from predators.
Nest Material: Nests are made of large sticks and branches, and often lined with softer materials like leaves and feathers.
Breeding Season :
Typically occurs from January to May
Nesting Season :
Generally aligns with the breeding period
Egg Color :
Eggs are usually white or pale, sometimes with a few reddish-brown speckles or blotches.
Egg Length :
Approximately 5.0 to 5.5 cm (2.0 to 2.2 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
Egg Width: Around 4.0 to 4.5 cm (1.6 to 1.8 inches).
Egg Weight: Each egg typically weighs about 70 to 90 grams (2.5 to 3.2 ounces).
Clutch Size :
Typically 1 to 2 eggs per breeding attempt.
No. of Broods :
Usually 1 brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Lasts about 42 to 45 days.
Nestling Period :
The young birds fledge (leave the nest) after about 70 to 90 days
Vocalization :
Their calls are relatively quiet compared to other raptors but include a variety of whistles, high-pitched calls, and occasional screeches.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
The Black Eagle is mostly resident and does not migrate long distances.