| Eastern Imperial Eagle | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Accipitriformes |
| Family: | Accipitridae |
| Genus: | Aquila |
| Species: | Aquila heliaca |
The Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) is a raptor closely related to the Golden Eagle.
Description[]
This is a large eagle with a length of 72–90 cm (28–35 in), a wingspan of 1.8–2.16 m (5.9–7.1 ft) and a weight of 2.45–4.55 kilograms (5.4–10.0 lb). Females are about a quarter larger than males. It closely resembles the Spanish Imperial Eagle, but has far less white to the "shoulder" and is slightly larger.[1]
Behavior[]
Male and female Eastern Imperial Eagles form pairs at around 4 years of age, and remain in this monogamous pair for life. The Eastern Imperial Eagle's large nest is called an eyrie, constructed from sticks at the top of a tall tree. The youngest Eastern Imperial Eagle hatchling is normally pecked to death or outcompeted for food by its older sibling. Originally a lowland species, in some areas the Eastern Imperial Eagle has been pushed to higher elevations by habitat loss and hunting.[2] Eastern Imperial Eagles feed mainly on mammals, birds and occasionally carrion (especially in winter).
Distribution[]
This eagle breeds in southeastern Europe and extensively through West and Central Asia. Most populations are migratory and winter in northeastern Africa, the Middle East and South and East Asia.