The Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) is the smallest eagle species in Europe, with a wingspan ranging from 112 to 135 cm, a length of 43 to 50 cm, and a weight of 845 to 1,145 g for females, and 630 to 770 g for males.

Booted Eagle Size and Appearance

The Booted Eagle is a medium-sized buzzard-like bird of prey, with long fingered primary flight feathers, a long square-shaped tail, and feathered legs (boots) that are prominent when perched. This species has two distinct plumage forms: pale birds have a mainly light grey color with a darker head and flight feathers, while the other plumage form has a mid-brown plumage accompanied by dark grey flight-feathers.

Booted Eagle Wingspan and Length

• Wingspan: 112 to 135 cm
• Length: 43 to 50 cm

Booted Eagle Weight

• Females: 845 to 1,145 g
• Males: 630 to 770 g

The females are larger than the males, with male Booted eagles typically weighing 510 – 770 g, whereas females can weigh up to 840 – 1,025 g.

Booted Eagle Habitat and Distribution

Image source: Booted eagle By Dr. Raju Kasambe

The Booted Eagle is found in forested country with open patches, often in hilly areas where it frequently soars with wings slightly pushed forward. It is largely migratory, with the European population spending the winter in Africa south of the Sahara desert, and a small group of the breeding population heading to southern-western Africa.

Booted Eagle Behavior and Hunting

The Booted Eagle is not known as an aggressive bird of prey, but it is territorial, especially when they have eggs and fledglings. They tend to keep to themselves, but when they hunt, they are aggressive, killing small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Conclusion

The Booted Eagle is the smallest eagle species in Europe, with a distinctive appearance and two distinct plumage forms. Its size, ranging from a wingspan of 112 to 135 cm and a weight of 630 to 1,145 g, makes it a unique and fascinating bird of prey.

References:
– European Raptors. (n.d.). Booted Eagle (Aquila pennata). Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://europeanraptors.org/booted-eagle/
– eBird. (n.d.). Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://ebird.org/species/booeag1
– Wikipedia. (2023, March 15). Booted eagles. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booted_eagles
– BirdID. (n.d.). Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus). Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.birdid.no/bird/eBook.php?specieID=1152
– Operation Migration. (n.d.). Booted Eagle: The Ultimate Guide. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.operationmigration.org/booted-eagle-the-ultimate-guide/.