Booted eagles (Hieraaetus pennatus) are known for their unique and fascinating communication methods, which include vocalizations, body language, and aerial displays. These majestic birds use a variety of techniques to convey messages, establish pair bonds, and interact with their environment.

Vocalizations of Booted Eagles

Booted eagles are generally silent, except during the breeding season. During this time, they use a series of calls to communicate with each other. The main feature of their courtship display is a series of dives followed by upward swoops, performed at great speed and accompanied by active calling. The male may dive at the female repeatedly, and she may turn on her back and present her claws upwards to him.

Body Language of Booted Eagles

Image source: Booted eagle By Dr. Raju Kasambe

Booted eagles also use body language to communicate. For example, a female may present her claws upwards to the male during courtship displays, indicating her readiness to mate.

Aerial Displays of Booted Eagles

Booted eagles use elaborated aerial displays to establish a pair bond. Courtship displays include very fast and marvelous stoops. From the beginning of the breeding season, through to the end of the season, birds perform spectacular nuptial displays. The main feature is a series of dives followed by upward swoops, performed at great speed and accompanied by active calling.

Habitat and Nesting of Booted Eagles

Booted eagles select breeding areas with a mixture of woodlands and open lands, often times near marshland and stone pine trees. Trees used for nesting are often larger (wide and tall) and usually are in small groups or large isolated trees, cliff edges have also been used for nest. Nests are built out of sticks and lined with leaves or conifer needles. They are built on a large branch of a tree or cliff ledge, 6-35 meters up.

Migration of Booted Eagles

Booted eagles are mostly migratory birds, leaving the breeding grounds in August/September and returning in March/April. They are typically found in pairs or singly and are not usually found in groups more than five, even when migrating.

Conservation of Booted Eagles

The booted eagle is considered a “rare” bird in Europe, breeding in both in Western Europe in the countries of France, Portugal and Spain and in Eastern Europe in the countries of Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. However, in Italy, the booted eagle is a regular migrant, but irregular when it comes to wintering. During wintering, the birds are seen in wetlands and marshes. Mainly they will overwinter in southern Asia, southern Europe and Africa.

References:
– YouTube Video on Booted Eagles
– Pennsylvania Game Commission on Eagles and Osprey
– National Geographic Article on Eagle Trafficking
– iNaturalist Booted Eagle Page
– Animal Diversity Web Booted Eagle Page