The booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) is a medium-sized bird of prey with a wide distribution in the Palearctic and southern Asia, wintering in the tropics of Africa and Asia, with a small, disjunct breeding population in south-western Africa. The booted eagle has a wingspan of 110-135 cm, making it a fascinating subject for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The Exact Booted Eagle Wingspan
The booted eagle has a wingspan that ranges from 110 to 135 cm, with males typically having a wingspan on the lower end of the range and females on the higher end. This impressive wingspan allows the booted eagle to soar effortlessly and maneuver with precision while hunting its prey.
Plumage Variations
Image source: Booted eagle By Dr. Raju Kasambe
The booted eagle exhibits two distinct plumage forms, or morphs: the light morph and the dark morph. The light morph is present in between 60 and 90% of the individuals in Spain, while the dark form is more common in the eastern populations, such as in Russia. This variation in plumage is due to a Mendelian inheritance pattern, where the paler allele is dominant.
Migration Patterns
The booted eagle is a trans-Saharan migrant, arriving in Europe to nest between the end of March and April, and leaving for Africa between the end of August and October. Interestingly, some autumns are marked by a variable number of individuals migrating northwards, due to the bad weather conditions encountered in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Molting Cycle
The booted eagle undergoes a complete molt every year, with the molt starting in Europe and ending in Africa. The molt is completed by the end of May or June of the second year for juveniles, and by the end of the second year for adults.
Hunting Behavior
The booted eagle is a skilled hunter, typically hunting on the wing. It employs a quick stoop, with wings folded in and feet extended, to capture its prey, which includes small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Birds are the most common prey in Southern Africa.
Physical Characteristics
In addition to its impressive wingspan, the booted eagle has a length of 40-50 cm and a weight range of 510-770 g for males and 840-1150 g for females. These physical characteristics contribute to the booted eagle’s agility and hunting prowess.
Habitat and Distribution
The booted eagle has a wide distribution in the Palearctic and southern Asia, with a small, disjunct breeding population in south-western Africa. It is a trans-Saharan migrant, wintering in the tropics of Africa and Asia.
Conservation Status
The booted eagle is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with a stable population trend. However, it faces threats from habitat loss, persecution, and the use of pesticides, which can impact its prey and nesting sites.
In conclusion, the booted eagle is a fascinating bird of prey with a remarkable wingspan that ranges from 110 to 135 cm. Its unique plumage variations, migration patterns, molting cycle, and hunting behavior make it a captivating subject for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. By understanding the intricacies of the booted eagle’s biology and ecology, we can better appreciate and protect this remarkable species.
References:
– Wikipedia – Booted Eagle
– Raptor Identification – Booted Eagle
– Animalia – Booted Eagle
– Creatures of the World – Booted Eagle
– European Raptors – Booted Eagle
