Black eagles, also known as Verreaux’s eagles, primarily nest in hilly and mountainous regions of southern and eastern Africa, extending marginally into Chad, as well as in tropical and subtropical Asia, including the Himalayan foothills, the forests of the Eastern and Western Ghats in peninsular India and Sri Lanka, Burma, southern China, and Taiwan. They are known to nest in the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Johannesburg, South Africa, which is the only known pair nesting in an urban area.
Nesting Behavior of Black Eagles
Black eagles build their nests on tall trees, often overlooking steep valleys. They typically use large sticks and twigs to construct a platform nest, placing it on a thick, sturdy branch close to the main trunk. The nest site may be reused year after year, with the breeding season beginning around January and the female laying one or two white eggs which are blotched in brown and mauve. The young hatch in about 35-40 days and fledges 2 months later.
Feeding Habits and Nest Predation
Image source: Black Eagle by Mike Prince
Black eagles are monogamous and form pairs, spending their time soaring over forests in the hilly regions, scouring the treetops for a nest to maraud. They are prolific nest-predators and are known for their slow flight just over the canopy, with curved claws and a wide gape that allow them to pick up eggs of birds from nests as well as swiftlets from caves. Along with Swallow-tailed kites, they share the unique habit of carrying away an entire nest with nestlings to a feeding perch.
Population and Conservation Status
Black eagles are not considered threatened, but they are uncommon in large areas in their distribution, with the total population size around 10,000 individuals. Shrinking of forested areas due to large-scale extraction has reduced their earlier range.
Nesting Locations of Black Eagles
| Region | Nesting Locations |
|---|---|
| Southern and Eastern Africa | Hilly and mountainous regions, extending marginally into Chad |
| Tropical and Subtropical Asia | Himalayan foothills, Eastern and Western Ghats in peninsular India and Sri Lanka, Burma, southern China, and Taiwan |
| Urban Area | Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Johannesburg, South Africa |
Key Facts about Black Eagles
- Monogamous and form pairs
- Soar over forests in hilly regions, scouring the treetops for a nest to maraud
- Prolific nest-predators, known for their slow flight over the canopy
- Curved claws and wide gape allow them to pick up eggs of birds from nests and swiftlets from caves
- Share the unique habit of carrying away an entire nest with nestlings to a feeding perch
- Total population size around 10,000 individuals
- Shrinking of forested areas due to large-scale extraction has reduced their earlier range
Conclusion
Black eagles are fascinating birds of prey that have adapted to thrive in hilly and mountainous regions of Africa and Asia. Their unique nesting behavior, feeding habits, and conservation status make them an intriguing subject for birdwatchers and researchers alike.
