The Martial Eagle, scientifically known as Polemaetus bellicosus, is the largest eagle in Africa and the fifth largest eagle globally based on average weight and wingspan. It is a magnificent bird with a distinct appearance, characterized by its dark brown color covering its head, upper chest, shoulders, and back, and white underparts with dark spotting.
The Impressive Size of the Martial Eagle
The Martial Eagle has an impressive wingspan that can reach anywhere from about six feet up to an astounding eight-and-a-half feet for the largest females. Its weight can range from 7 pounds to a hefty 14 pounds, with an average weight of approximately 10 pounds, making it one of the heaviest eagles in the world.
Wingspan and Weight Comparison
| Measurement | Range |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 6 to 8.5 feet |
| Weight | 7 to 14 pounds |
| Average Weight | 10 pounds |
The female of the species is larger than the male and has more spotting on its chest and underparts. This size difference is a common characteristic among birds of prey, where the females are typically larger to better handle the demands of incubating eggs and caring for the young.
Breeding and Nesting Habits
Image source: Martial eagle by Charles J. Sharp
The Martial Eagle’s breeding habits are unique, as it is monogamous and mates for life. There is no set breeding period for the Martial Eagle, and when they will breed depends on their location. The nest of the Martial Eagle is usually built in large trees at a height of anywhere from twenty to eighty feet above the ground, and it can become quite large, measuring up to six feet in depth and diameter.
The Martial Eagle has a very slow breeding rate and will produce just one egg, very rarely two, every two years. The female does much of the incubation and will only leave the nest to feed. The incubation period is about 45 days, and the newborn eaglet will become active after twenty days or so. It will take up to ten weeks for the young eagle’s plumage to grow, and the first flight takes place at about 100 days.
Hunting and Prey
Martial Eagles are apex predators and are at the top of the avian food chain in their environment. They control the population of their prey species due to their opportunistic diet, which includes mammals, birds, and reptiles. They hunt small antelopes, some monkeys, young domestic goats and lambs, water birds such as herons, storks, and geese, monitor lizards, venomous snakes, jackals, and medium-sized wild cats.
Conservation Status and Threats
The Martial Eagle’s population is currently decreasing, and it is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List. The main threats to Martial eagles include hunting and habitat loss. Farmers kill the birds because they hunt domestic animals, and the eagle’s low reproductive rate is also a problem for its long-term survival. According to the Africa Geographic resource, the total population size of the Martial eagle is approximately 30,000 individuals, with around 800 pairs in South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland, and less than 350 pairs in Namibia.
In conclusion, the Martial Eagle is a magnificent and powerful bird, known for its impressive size, hunting skills, and slow breeding rate. It is an apex predator that controls the population of its prey species and is currently endangered due to hunting, habitat loss, and low reproductive rate. Conservation efforts are necessary to protect this magnificent bird and ensure its survival for future generations.
References:
– Carnivora.net – Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus)
– Animalia.bio – Martial Eagle
– Kruger Wildlife Safaris – Martial Eagle
– Owlcation – Birds of Prey: The Martial Eagle
