LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE

The 'Lesser Spotted Eagle', (''Aquila pomarina''), is a large bird of prey. It is about 60 cm in length and has a wingspan of 150cm. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. The birds formerly considered to be the resident Indian race of this species are now considered a separate species, the Indian Spotted Eagle ''Aquila hastata''^[1]
It breeds in central and eastern Europe and winters in Africa. This eagle lays 1-3 eggs in a tree nest.
This is a species of open or lightly wooded country, which hunts small mammals and similar terrestrial prey.
This is a medium-sized eagle. Its head and wing coverts are pale brown and contrast with the generally dark plumage. The head and bill are small for an eagle. There is often a white patch on the upperwings. The juvenile has less contrast in the wings, but larger areas of white.
The call is a dog-like ''yip''.
This is a wary species in Europe, but in India can be approached quite closely for a large raptor.

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References

References

1. Rasmussen P. C., Anderton J (2005) Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide. Vols 1& 2. Washington DC and Barcelona: Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions.


★ Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern