The Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) is a large bird of prey. It is a raptor and an accipiter.
The Eastern Imperial Eagle is dark-brown with white shoulder patches and pale-cream feathers at the back of its neck. It has a grey base to its bi-coloured tail. It has grey legs with large claws, called talons. Its eyes are brown and its beak is sharply-hooked and grey with a yellow cere.
Eastern Imperial Eagle
It measures 72-90 centimetres (28-35 inches) tall, with a wingspan of 180-216 centimetres (71-85 inches).
The Eastern Imperial Eagle is from south-eastern Europe to western and central Asia. It migrates in the cold weather to the warmer locations of north-eastern Africa and southern and eastern Asia. It prefers open areas and agricultural areas.
It feeds on rabbits, hares, hamsters, and birds, such as pheasants, partridges, and pigeons, as well as other birds and mammals.
The Eastern Imperial Eagle makes a nest in a tree. It is made from twigs, grass, and feathers. Females lay 2-3 eggs. The chicks hatch after about 43 days, and become independent after 60-77 days.
Eastern Imperial Eagle
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM