Eastern imperial eagles do not commonly abandon their eggs without a valid reason. While some nesting attempts may be unsuccessful, this is often due to factors like human disturbance, predation, or food scarcity, rather than the eagles abandoning their eggs.
Breeding Behavior of Eastern Imperial Eagles
The eastern imperial eagle is a large bird of prey that breeds in southeastern Europe and extensively throughout West and Central Asia. Most populations are migratory, wintering in northeastern Africa, the Middle East, and South and East Asia.
During the breeding season, which typically lasts from late March to September, eastern imperial eagle pairs engage in aerial displays with loud calling and extensive high circling. This behavior is likely for the purpose of 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. The nest is frequently lined with various materials, including twigs, grass, fur, debris, and greenery. Eastern imperial eagles typically build their nests in tall trees, but they may also construct them as low as 2 m (6.6 ft) in low scrub or, rarely, on a cliff or ground.
Egg Laying and Incubation
Image source: eastern imperial eagle By Koshy Koshy
The female eastern imperial eagle 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, while the male captures prey.
Parental Care and Fledging
From when the young are 40 days old, 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.
Factors Affecting Nesting Success
While eastern imperial eagles do not commonly abandon their eggs, more than a third of all nesting attempts in at least a part of their range are entirely unsuccessful. This could be due to various factors, such as:
- Human Disturbance: Increased human activity near nesting sites can cause the eagles to abandon their eggs or young.
- Predation: Predators, such as other birds of prey, mammals, or even humans, can raid the nests and cause the eagles to abandon their eggs or young.
- Food Scarcity: If the eagles are unable to find sufficient food to sustain themselves and their young, they may abandon the nest.
Conclusion
In summary, eastern imperial eagles do not commonly abandon their eggs without a valid reason. While some nesting attempts may be unsuccessful, this is often due to factors like human disturbance, predation, or food scarcity, rather than the eagles abandoning their eggs. The species has a well-defined breeding behavior, with the female incubating the eggs and both parents providing care for the young until they fledge.
References:
– https://arasbaran.org/en/print_news.cfm?id=603
– https://www.imperialeagle.eu/en/content/imperial-eagle
– https://animalia.bio/eastern-imperial-eagle?environment=207
