No, eastern imperial eagles (Aquila heliaca) are not cold-blooded. They are birds, and like all birds, they are warm-blooded, or endothermic, meaning they regulate their body temperature internally.
What are the Characteristics of Eastern Imperial Eagles?
Eastern imperial eagles are large birds of prey, with a length of about 0.92 meters, a wingspan of up to 2.14 meters, and a mass of about 3.6 kilograms. They are black-brown in color, with a pale golden crown and nape, and a grey base that extends to the tail. Their juveniles are paler and more variegated than the adults.
Where are Eastern Imperial Eagles Found?
Image source: eastern imperial eagle By Koshy Koshy
Eastern imperial eagles are found in southern Europe, from Greece to southern Russia, and they migrate to northeast Africa, India, and southeast China in the winter. They prefer open country with scattered trees or more enclosed woodlands, as well as around or near wetlands.
What do Eastern Imperial Eagles Eat?
Eastern imperial eagles are carnivores, and their main source of food is small mammals, such as rabbits and susliks (ground squirrels in the genus Spermophilus). They will also eat reptiles, including some poisonous snakes, and other birds, such as young magpies, waders, and ducks. They have been known to feed on some carrion as well.
How do Eastern Imperial Eagles Behave?
Eastern imperial eagles are solitary birds, but they may gather into loose flocks of ten or more during migrations. They often forage in open areas, extending to beyond typical grasslands to wetlands and agricultural areas. In more extensive wooded areas, they require glades or meadows in order to execute hunting.
Conclusion
In summary, eastern imperial eagles are not cold-blooded. They are large birds of prey that are found in southern Europe and migrate to northeast Africa, India, and southeast China in the winter. They prefer open country with scattered trees or more enclosed woodlands, as well as around or near wetlands, and they are solitary birds that are carnivores.
References:
- IUCN Red List, Eastern imperial eagle, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22698035/138154153
- communiTREE on LinkedIn, Fridays for Flying : Eastern Imperial Eagle, https://www.linkedin.com/posts/communitree-india_fridays-for-flying-eastern-imperial-eagle-activity-7116039290979041280-hcVc
- Animal Diversity Web, Aquila heliaca – Imperial eagle, https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Aquila_heliaca/
- Wikipedia, Eastern imperial eagle, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_imperial_eagle
- Wiley Online Library, Using naturally shed feathers for individual identification, genetic analysis, and population monitoring in raptors, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2005.02641.x
- ResearchGate, Map showing the range of the study population of eastern imperial eagles in Hungary, and the location of sampled and not sampled territories, https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Map-showing-the-range-of-the-study-population-of-eastern-imperial-eagles-in-Hungary-and_fig11_261793736
