The Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) is a medium-sized, mostly migratory bird of prey with a wide distribution in the Palearctic and southern Asia. These eagles can reach a maximum height of 40 cm, with a wingspan of 110-132 cm.
The Size and Weight of Booted Eagles
Booted eagles are relatively small in size compared to other eagle species. The key details about their size and weight are:
- Length: Typically 40 cm
- Wingspan: 110-132 cm
- Male Weight: 510-770 g (1.12-1.70 lb)
- Female Weight: 840-1,025 g (1.852-2.260 lb)
So, in summary, the Booted Eagle is a medium-sized eagle, comparable in size to the common buzzard, but more eagle-like in shape. The males are smaller than the females, with the females weighing up to 1,025 g.
Plumage Variations in Booted Eagles
Image source: Booted eagle By Dr. Raju Kasambe
There are two distinct plumage forms of the Booted Eagle:
- Pale Morph: Mainly light grey with a darker head and flight feathers.
- Dark Morph: Mid-brown plumage with dark grey flight feathers.
These color morphs follow a Mendelian inheritance pattern, where the paler allele is dominant. In South Africa, around 20% of the Booted Eagle population exhibits the dark color morph.
Hunting Behavior of Booted Eagles
Booted Eagles are typically seen in pairs or as solitary individuals, and they are known for their hunting behavior:
- They typically hunt on the wing, stooping quickly with wings folded in and feet extended.
- Their diet consists primarily of small mammals, reptiles, and birds, with birds being the most common prey in Southern Africa.
- They have been observed to feed on a variety of prey, including birds, lizards, and rodents.
Distribution and Habitat of Booted Eagles
The Booted Eagle has a wide distribution in the Palearctic and southern Asia, with a small, disjunct breeding population in southwestern Africa. They are mostly migratory, wintering in the tropics of Africa and Asia.
Booted Eagles are typically seen flying at relatively low heights, making them conspicuous. However, the dark morph can be confused with other local medium-sized birds of prey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Booted Eagle is a medium-sized, mostly migratory bird of prey that can reach a maximum height of 40 cm and a wingspan of 110-132 cm. They exhibit two distinct plumage forms, with the paler morph being more common. Booted Eagles are known for their hunting behavior, primarily targeting small mammals, reptiles, and birds, and they have a wide distribution across the Palearctic and southern Asia, with a small breeding population in southwestern Africa.
References:
– https://animalia.bio/booted-eagle?environment=434
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonelli%27s_eagle
– https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?start=350&t=8081
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booted_eagle
