The Black Eagle (Ictinaetus malaiensis) is a large bird of prey with a distinctive silhouette and all-black plumage, except for a yellow bill base and feet. The wingspan of the Black Eagle is between 148-182 cm (58.3-71.7 inches), making it a truly impressive sight in the skies.

The Exact Wingspan of the Black Eagle

The wingspan of the Black Eagle, which includes the length of the wings and the distance between the tips when fully extended, ranges from 148 to 182 cm (58.3 to 71.7 inches). This impressive measurement is a testament to the Black Eagle’s size and power, allowing it to soar effortlessly through the air.

Habitat and Distribution of the Black Eagle

Image source: Black Eagle by Mike Prince

The Black Eagle is found in tropical and subtropical Asia, including the Himalayan foothills, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Burma, southern China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. These birds prefer forests in mountainous areas with good forest cover, where they can take advantage of the updrafts and thermals to remain aloft for long periods with minimal effort.

Feeding Habits of the Black Eagle

The Black Eagle is a carnivore and feeds on a variety of small mammals, such as bats, squirrels, and monkeys, as well as reptiles, birds, and eggs. They are known for their slow flight just above the canopy, which allows them to pick up eggs and nestlings from nests and caves, making them prolific nest-predators.

Breeding and Nesting Behavior

Black Eagles are monogamous and form pairs that breed between January and April. They build a platform nest on a tall tree overlooking a steep valley and lay 1 or 2 white eggs with brown and mauve blotches. The young hatch in about 35-40 days and fledge 2 months later.

Population Status and Conservation Efforts

The total population size of the Black Eagle is around 10,000 individuals, with less than 100 breeding pairs in China and around 100-10,000 breeding pairs in Taiwan. The species is currently classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, but its numbers today are decreasing due to shrinking forested areas and large-scale extraction.

Unique Characteristics of the Black Eagle

• All-Black Plumage: The Black Eagle is easily recognizable by its distinctive all-black plumage, except for its yellow bill base and feet.
• Slow, Effortless Flight: The Black Eagle is known for its ability to remain aloft for long periods with minimal effort, thanks to its impressive wingspan and the updrafts and thermals found in its mountainous habitat.
• Prolific Nest-Predator: The Black Eagle’s slow flight just above the canopy allows it to effectively pick up eggs and nestlings from nests and caves, making it a formidable predator.

Conclusion

The Black Eagle is a truly remarkable bird of prey, with an impressive wingspan that ranges from 148 to 182 cm (58.3 to 71.7 inches). This majestic raptor is found in tropical and subtropical Asia, where it thrives in forested, mountainous areas. With its unique characteristics, such as its all-black plumage and slow, effortless flight, the Black Eagle is a sight to behold in the skies. While its population is currently classified as Least Concern, ongoing conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the continued survival of this magnificent species.

References:
– Black Eagle – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio https://animalia.bio/black-eagle
– Verreaux’s eagle (Aquila verreauxii) – black eagle – DinoAnimals.com https://dinoanimals.com/animals/verreauxs-eagle-black-eagle/
– Verreaux’s eagle – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verreaux%27s_eagle