Species Profile

Bonelli's Eagle

Aquila fasciata

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

15 years^[4]

Length

65–72 cm

Weight

1600–2400 g

Wingspan

150–180 cm

Migration

Partial migrant

With a piercing gaze and powerful wings, this formidable raptor soars over rugged landscapes from Europe to Asia, hunting with remarkable precision.

Also known as: Bonelli's Hawk-eagle

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Gallery

Appearance

The Bonelli's Eagle is a large, powerful raptor with a distinctive appearance. Adults display dark brown upperparts contrasting with a white underside, often streaked with black. The long, broad wings and barred tail are characteristic features, while the head shows a pale throat and dark 'moustache' markings.

Females are noticeably larger than males but share similar plumage. Juveniles have rufous-brown upperparts and buff underparts, gradually acquiring adult plumage over several years.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: Brown
Secondary: Black
Beak: Grey
Legs: Yellow

Attributes

Agility90/100

Strength85/100

Adaptability80/100

Aggression75/100

Endurance85/100

Understanding Attributes

Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Habitat & Distribution

Bonelli's Eagles inhabit a range of open to semi-open landscapes, from Mediterranean coastal areas to arid mountain ranges. They prefer rugged, rocky terrain with cliffs for nesting, interspersed with woodland and open areas for hunting.

Their distribution spans from southern Europe and North Africa, across the Middle East, to parts of South and Southeast Asia. In Europe, they are most common in Spain and Portugal, with smaller populations in southern France and Italy.

Distribution

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Diet

Bonelli's Eagles are versatile predators, primarily hunting medium-sized birds and mammals. Their diet includes partridges, pigeons, rabbits, and hares. They also opportunistically take reptiles and occasionally fish.

These eagles employ a combination of soaring searches and surprise attacks from perches to capture prey.

Behaviour

Bonelli's Eagles are known for their spectacular aerial displays during courtship, performing steep dives and loop-the-loops. They are territorial birds, often seen soaring high over their domain with slow, powerful wingbeats.

These eagles hunt cooperatively in pairs, demonstrating remarkable coordination when pursuing agile prey.

Calls & Sounds

Bonelli's Eagles are generally quiet outside the breeding season. During courtship and territorial displays, they emit a series of sharp, barking 'klu-klu-klu' or 'klee-klee-klee' calls. These vocalisations are often accompanied by impressive aerial manoeuvres, adding to their dramatic presence.

Nesting & Breeding

Bonelli's Eagles form monogamous pairs, often mating for life. The breeding season typically begins in January or February, with elaborate aerial displays marking courtship.

Nests are large stick structures, usually built on cliff ledges or occasionally in large trees. The female lays 1-3 eggs, typically 2, which are white with reddish-brown spots.

Incubation lasts about 39 days, and it is shared by both parents but primarily done by the female. Chicks fledge after 60-65 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more months.

Conservation

While listed as Least Concern globally, Bonelli's Eagle faces regional threats. Habitat loss, electrocution from power lines, and illegal shooting are primary concerns.

Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, nest site management, and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 20,000 - 49,999 mature individuals^[3]

Trend: Decreasing^[2]

Elevation

Sea level to 3,000 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Adult Bonelli's Eagles have few natural predators due to their size and aerial prowess. However, eggs and chicks may fall prey to corvids, other raptors, or climbing mammals.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for them soaring over mountainous or hilly terrain
Listen for their distinctive 'klu-klu-klu' call during breeding season
Observe cliff faces or large trees for potential nesting sites
Visit Mediterranean coastal areas or inland mountain ranges for better chances of sighting

Did You Know?

Bonelli's Eagles can fly at speeds of up to 80 km/h when diving for prey.
They have been known to use the same nesting site for over 20 years.
These eagles play a crucial role in controlling populations of rabbits and partridges in their ecosystems.