Martial eagles (Polemaetus bellicosus) are indeed formidable hunters, known for their power and efficiency. However, contrary to the common belief, martial eagles are primarily diurnal hunters, meaning they are most active during the day. There is no substantial evidence suggesting that martial eagles actively hunt at night.
Martial Eagles’ Hunting Behavior
Martial eagles have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and weigh up to 5 kilograms, making them one of the world’s most powerful avian predators. They have white underparts with brown spots and dark brown upperparts, along with bright yellow, glaring eyes. Their keen eyesight, which is about three times better than humans, allows them to spot potential prey from high up in the sky, over distances of around five kilometers. Once they’ve spotted their prey, they descend onto it at great speed and accuracy, killing it with their sharp hind claw.
Habitat and Prey
Image source: Martial eagle by Charles J. Sharp
Martial eagles prefer open woods and woodland edges, wooded savannah, and thornbush habitats, avoiding closed-canopy forests and hyper-arid deserts. They are found in most of sub-Saharan Africa, including southern Africa, where they have adapted to more open habitats such as semi-desert and open savanna with scattered trees. They tend to prefer desolate or protected areas.
These eagles are carnivorous opportunistic predators that prey on mammals, birds, and reptiles, including small antelopes, some monkeys, young domestic goats and lambs, water birds such as herons, storks, and geese, monitor lizards, venomous snakes, jackals, and medium-sized wild cats.
Breeding and Nesting
Martial eagles form monogamous pairs that stay together for life, with the female remaining in the area and receiving prey from the male for about 50 days after the young one is born. They build large stick nests, often reusing and adding to the same nest year after year.
Conservation Status
The main threats to martial eagles include hunting, habitat loss, powerline collisions, and their low reproductive rate. According to the IUCN Red List, the population of this species in South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland are around 800 pairs, and in Namibia, it includes less than 350 pairs. Currently, martial eagles are classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List, and their numbers today are decreasing.
Conclusion
In summary, while martial eagles are impressive and powerful hunters, they are primarily active during the day and do not hunt at night. Their hunting behavior, habitat preferences, and prey selection are well-adapted to their diurnal lifestyle. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this endangered species and ensure their continued survival in the wild.
