Eastern imperial eagles are large birds of prey that are native to Eurasia. They have a distinctive appearance, with a tar-like blackish-brown body and a well-demarcated and highly contrasting creamy to golden buff color about the crown, hindneck, and neck sides. They also have bold white spots on their shoulder braces, which are usually fairly conspicuous on perched birds. The adult’s tail is narrowly dark barred over a greyish ground color and has a broad black subterminal band, while a white tail tip sometimes manifests in adults that are freshly molted.
Can Eastern Imperial Eagles Be Black?
No, Eastern imperial eagles are not typically black, although juveniles may have dark brown streaks on their underside and some young birds may show an erratic blotching of blackish-brown feathers below as they enter their subadult plumage. However, adult Eastern imperial eagles are not black.
Prey Spectrum of Eastern Imperial Eagles
Image source: eastern imperial eagle By Koshy Koshy
Eastern imperial eagles are carnivores and like most active predators, they are opportunists who take any prey they are capable of overpowering. Their prey spectrum is highly varied, including somewhere between 200 and 300 prey species. Small to medium-sized mammals are the most regularly selected prey, with a preference for hares, various rodents especially ground squirrels, hamsters, and voles, as well as insectivores. They also prey on various birds, especially the young or fledglings. Other prey includes reptiles, fish, and rarely insects.
Breeding Behavior of Eastern Imperial Eagles
Eastern imperial eagles are monogamous and form pair-bonds that last for life. They breed between late March and September throughout the range. During this period pairs engage in aerial displays with loud calling and extensive high circling, which is likely for the purposes of the territorial proclamation to other eagles of their species. The pair constructs a very large nest of sticks, which may average up to 1.2 to 1.5 m (3 ft 11 in to 4 ft 11 in) across and 60 to 70 cm (24 to 28 in) in depth. Nests are frequently lined with various materials, including twigs, grass, fur, debris, and greenery. Usually, Eastern imperial eagles build their nest in tall trees but may also construct it as low as 2 m (6.6 ft) in low scrub or, rarely, on a cliff or ground. The female lays 2 to 3 eggs at intervals of 2 or more days and incubates them for 43 days. The eaglets hatch at intervals of several days. Mostly the female broods the young and the male captures prey. From when the young are 40 days onward, the female typically resumes hunting and takes to a perch nearby. The young fledge at 63 to 77 days of age and after leaving the nest they usually linger near it for 2-3 days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Eastern imperial eagles are not typically black in color, although some juveniles may have dark brown streaks or blotching on their underside as they enter their subadult plumage. These large birds of prey are known for their distinctive appearance, with a tar-like blackish-brown body and a well-demarcated creamy to golden buff color on their crown, hindneck, and neck sides. They are opportunistic carnivores, preying on a wide variety of small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. Eastern imperial eagles are also known for their monogamous breeding behavior and the construction of large, elaborate nests.
References:
- https://flightforsurvival.org/the-power-of-many-a-birdlife-mission-to-save-the-eastern-imperial-eagle/
- https://animalia.bio/eastern-imperial-eagle?environment=207
- https://dinoanimals.com/animals/eastern-imperial-eagle-unapproachable-bird/
- https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Aquila_heliaca/
