Black eagles, scientifically known as Ictinaetus malaiensis, are large birds of prey that are native to tropical and subtropical Asia. They have all-black plumage, with a yellow bill base (cere) and feet. The wings are long and pinched in at the innermost primaries, giving a distinctive shape.

Yes, Black Eagles Can Be Black

The black eagle is a unique and fascinating bird species that is easily identified by its all-black plumage, yellow bill base, and long, splayed primary “fingers”. This distinctive appearance is a result of their natural evolution and adaptation to their environment.

Plumage and Physical Characteristics

• The black eagle has an all-black plumage, with no other colors or patterns.
• The bill base (cere) and feet are yellow, providing a striking contrast to the dark feathers.
• The wings are long and pinched in at the innermost primaries, giving the bird a distinctive silhouette in flight.
• The tail shows faint barring and the upper tail coverts are paler.
• When perched, the wing tips reach till or exceed the tail tip.
• In flight, the wings are held in a shallow V (wings just above the horizontal plane).
• Sexes are similar, but young birds have a buff head, underparts, and underwing coverts.

Habitat and Distribution

• The black eagle is a resident species and no migrations have been observed.
• They are found in tropical and subtropical Asia, including the Himalayan foothills, the Eastern and Western Ghats in India, and parts of Southeast Asia.
• The species is divided into two races: perniger in the Himalayas and peninsular India, and malaiensis in Burma, southern China, and Southeast Asia.
• They prefer forests with good forest cover and are absent from areas where the cover is less than 50%.

Breeding and Nesting

• Black eagles build a platform nest, 3 to 4 feet wide, on a tall tree overlooking a steep valley.
• They typically lay one or two white eggs, which are blotched in brown and mauve, during the nesting season between January and April.
• The nest site may be reused year after year.

Hunting and Prey

• Black eagles are birds of prey that hunt mammals and birds, particularly at their nests.
• They are known to soar over forests in the hilly regions of their range, using their keen eyesight to spot potential prey.
• Their long, splayed primary “fingers” and slow flight make them well-suited for hunting in forested environments.

In conclusion, the black eagle is a unique and fascinating bird species that is easily identified by its all-black plumage, yellow bill base, and distinctive silhouette. These birds play an important role in the ecosystems of tropical and subtropical Asia, and their preference for forested habitats makes them an important indicator of the health of these environments.

References:
– Black Eagle on YouTube
– Black Vulture on All About Birds
– Black Eagle on Wikipedia
– Bald Eagle Species Comparison on All About Birds
– Black Hawk-Eagle on Wikipedia