Spotted eagles are large birds of prey belonging to the hawk family. They tend to organize flocks with buzzards, eagles and other species of the family. They live mainly in forests, meadows and fields.
Kinds
In total, three species of spotted eagle have spread. Let’s consider each of them separately.
Great Spotted Eagle
In size, this bird ranges from 65 to 75 centimeters in length. Weight does not exceed 4 kilograms. The sex difference between individuals is in size: females are larger than males. The color of the feathers after the age of three becomes monotonously brown with small light areas in the nape and undertail. The large feathers are colored black, and the tail feathers are dark brown with a characteristic black pattern. Greater ocher spotted eagles are also found. Young individuals have light spots in their plumage, which disappear with age. The claws and beak are black.
The Great Spotted Eagle species has spread to European countries such as Finland, Poland, Romania and Hungary. Some individuals live in Asian countries. The period of cold weather is spent in Iran, India and Indochina.
Lesser Spotted Eagle
This representative with a body length ranging from 55 to 65 centimeters. Body weight ranges from 1.5 to 2 kilograms. Plumage color is monochromatic brown. The young have characteristic light spots on the back.
The habitat of lesser spotted eagles has spread to two regions: western and eastern. In the west, they can be found from the Elbe and Hungary to St. Petersburg, Novgorod and the regions. In the eastern region they are located in Hindustan.
Indian spotted eagle
A separate subspecies inhabited the forests of India, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Nepal. The body length of this species is 65 centimeters. The build is rather stocky: the head is large, the wings are wide and short. Adult spotted eagles are colored brown.
Nutrition
Since spotted eagles are completely birds of prey, their diet consists of a variety of small birds and mammals. They mainly hunt mice, gophers, rabbits, hares, frogs and quails. Spotted eagles are distinguished by their excellent hunting skills. They are extremely selective and will never eat carrion. These birds are one of the few who feel great in the water.
Greater spotted eagles are able to hunt large game such as turkey, chicken and black grouse. But dacha plots are visited only in extremely rare cases.
Reproduction
Spotted eagle species are absolutely monogamous and social birds. They form strong and durable pairs. They use hawk or stork nests, and can build their own. As a rule, use one socket at a time.
The nesting period starts in March. This period begins with active renewal of the nest for incubation of new offspring. Females make clutches from the beginning of May. Most often, there is one egg in a clutch. In rare cases, the number can be up to three. The female is responsible for incubation, at this time the male is actively looking for prey for both. The incubation period lasts for 40 days. Spotted eagles are born with their mother. From the age of 7 weeks, they begin to learn to fly and then to hunt.
Great spotted chick
Enemies in the wild
Spotted eagles are subject to hunting by other predatory mammals. Among the birds, only owls can get close to spotted eagles’ nests. Most often, spotted eagles are the main birds of prey.
Lesser spotted eagles have no natural threats as such. People do more harm to them. This is due to active emissions into the atmosphere of such harmful substances as azodrine, as well as various insecticides. Many lesser spotted eagles die from eating poisoned animals. Also, illegal hunting affects the number of these birds. Cannibalism is another important cause of increased mortality among these birds. With two or three eggs in the nest, the first chick to hatch can kill the others. For this reason, most often only one chick survives.
Lifestyle
Spotted eagles are migratory bird species. They spend winter in southern Europe or Africa. They return from wintering grounds in March.
Most often, these birds are met singly or in pairs. Organized groups are sometimes found near food sources and migratory flocks. Spotted eagles prefer to inhabit areas with a mosaic landscape. For them, the presence of both forests and meadows, pastures, fields and swamps is important. They are well adapted to life in agricultural areas. These birds of prey are highly territorial species. They can engage in combat with other representatives that approach their nests. Males are quite aggressive towards each other. Females are calmer and can visit the nests of other females.
Spotted eagle in the nest – video
Interesting Facts
- Previously, spotted eagles of white, cream and light brown were referred to as sacred birds serving the will of the gods. In the Middle Ages, they were even tamed, since they were a recognized element of the owner’s wealth and well-being.
- Due to widespread deforestation and air poisoning, the spotted eagle population has declined. Now these representatives can be found on the Red Book page. The species of the great spotted eagle is on the stage of extinction, despite its wide habitat.
