Martial eagles (Polemaetus bellicosus) are large birds of prey found throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, known for their powerful hunting abilities and striking appearance. They are monogamous birds, often mating for life, and have a slow breeding rate, typically laying one egg every two years.

Mating Season and Courtship Behavior

The breeding season for martial eagles generally correlates with the dry season across their geographic range. During this time, the birds engage in elaborate courtship displays to attract a mate and strengthen their pair bond.

One of the most notable courtship behaviors is the aerial display, where the male and female soar and swoop together, sometimes locking talons in mid-air. They may also perform a “sky-dance,” where they spiral upwards, sometimes reaching heights of over 1,000 feet, before plummeting back down in a series of dives and loops.

On the ground, the birds may engage in bowing, wing-flapping, and other ritualized movements to communicate their interest and readiness to mate.

Nest Building and Egg Laying

Image source: Martial eagle by Charles J. Sharp

Martial eagles prefer to nest in tall trees, often reusing and repairing their nests from year to year. The nests are large, measuring up to 2 meters in diameter and 1 meter deep, and are constructed using sticks, branches, and other natural materials.

The female martial eagle typically lays a single egg, which is the largest of any booted eagle, measuring 79.9 mm x 63.4 mm on average. The eggs are white to pale greenish-blue in color, with brown and grey blotches.

Incubation and Chick Rearing

The female martial eagle is responsible for the majority of the incubation, sitting on the egg for 45 to 50 days. However, the male may occasionally relieve her, taking over the incubation duties for up to three hours in a day.

Once the chick hatches, both parents are involved in feeding and protecting the young bird. The chick remains dependent on its parents for almost two months after hatching, and it does not become fully independent until it reaches 2 to 3 years of age.

Monogamy and Territoriality

Martial eagles are known to be monogamous, often mating for life. They are also highly territorial, and will not tolerate the presence of other martial eagles within their breeding territory, outside of their mated pair.

The birds are also known to be shy and avoid human interaction, often abandoning their nests if they are approached by people.

Conclusion

In summary, the mating process of martial eagles is a complex and fascinating behavior, involving elaborate courtship displays, nest building, and a slow breeding rate. These impressive birds of prey are monogamous, highly territorial, and play a crucial role in the ecosystems of Sub-Saharan Africa.

References:

• Animal Diversity Web, Polemaetus bellicosus – Martial eagles, accessed on April 21, 2024, https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Polemaetus_bellicosus/
• San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants, Crowned Eagle, accessed on April 21, 2024, https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/crowned-eagle
• Wikipedia, Martial eagle, accessed on April 21, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martial_eagle