Eastern Imperial Eagle : Spotted
A rare imperial eagle, scientifically known as Aquila heliaca, was recently spotted from the kole fields, Kerala.
- Eastern Imperial Eagle is a large, graceful bird of prey that breeds in southeastern Europe and extensively through West and Central Asia.
- Scientific Name: Aquila heliaca
- Like all eagles, the Eastern imperial eagle is a member of the family Accipitridae. Furthermore, its well-feathered legs mark it as a member of the subfamily Aquilinae.
- It tends to live in forests, where it will build a huge, conspicuous nest in an isolated tall tree.
- Most populations are migratory and winter in northeastern Africa, the Middle East, and South and East Asia.
- Habitat: Old forests, and the forests in mountains, hills, and along rivers are all common habitats.
- It is a large eagle. Adult total length can range from 68 to 90 cm with a typical wingspan of 1.76 to 2.2 m.
- They also have large eyes that are located slightly to the side of the head.
- These eyes provide them with extremely keen eyesight, allowing them to spot prey from high in the air.
