The African hawk-eagle (Aquila spilogaster) is a large, boldly-patterned bird of prey found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. With its distinctive features and unique behaviors, this majestic raptor is a captivating subject for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Identifying the African Hawk Eagle

Appearance and Plumage

The African hawk-eagle is a medium-sized eagle with a striking appearance. Its most distinctive features include:

• Head and Neck: The African hawk-eagle has a relatively small head that protrudes due to its long neck and prominent beak.
• Wings: The wings are long and slender, with a significant pale whitish-grey window on the base of the primaries, extending into dark grey panels across the black-tipped secondaries.
• Tail: The tail is longish, with a broad, dark subterminal band.
• Underside: The underwing is brown and white with a thick black hind edge, and the tail is mostly pale gray with a thick dark bar at the end.

Immature birds have entirely rufous underparts, including the underwings, while adults display a more contrasting black-and-white pattern.

Flight Characteristics

In flight, the African hawk-eagle is a sight to behold. Its distinctive features include:

• Underwing Pattern: The black trailing edges with contrasting greyish-white flight feathers, as well as the more apparent subterminal band, are clearly visible from below.
• Greater Coverts: The greater coverts show various solid black diagonal markings that create a signature appearance from below.
• Juvenile Plumage: Juvenile African hawk-eagles have a contrasting creamy window on the upperwing and a barred tail, which stand out as the most distinct features.

Habitat and Behavior

The African hawk-eagle is found in dry, woodland habitats, as well as in open savannas dotted with trees and riparian forests. It is commonly seen perching on trees or soaring high overhead, often singly or in pairs.

Importance and Conservation

Image source: African hawk-eagle by Charles J. Sharp

The African hawk-eagle is an important umbrella species, playing a vital role in its ecosystem. To protect these magnificent birds, it is crucial to safeguard the animals they rely on for food, the plants and animals that their prey feed on, and the trees they use for nesting.

Unfortunately, the African hawk-eagle is facing threats such as habitat loss and persecution by farmers. Over the past few decades, they have become scarce to rare outside of protected areas across Africa. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the long-term survival of this iconic species.

Conclusion

The African hawk-eagle is a captivating and ecologically important raptor found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. By understanding its unique identification features, habitat preferences, and conservation status, we can better appreciate and protect this magnificent bird of prey.

References:
– Animalia.bio – African Hawk-eagle
– iNaturalist – Aquila spilogaster
– Wikipedia – African Hawk-eagle
– eBird – African Hawk-eagle
– The Peregrine Fund – African Hawk-eagle