Black Eagle
Ictinaetus malaiensis
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Black Eagle is a striking raptor with predominantly dark plumage, ranging from deep brown to black. Its large size, broad paddle-shaped wings, and distinctive tail barring are key identifying features. The tail is relatively long, contrary to what was stated.
Adults have dark brown eyes and yellow cere, contrasting with their dark plumage. Juveniles are similar but show more brown tones and pale streaking on the head, neck, and underparts. There is little variation between subspecies, though they differ slightly in size.
Size
Length
65cm to 80cm
Wingspan
148cm to 182cm
Weight
1000g to 1.6kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black Brown
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Black Eagles inhabit a range of forested habitats across South and Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to southern China and Indonesia. They prefer montane and submontane forests, including evergreen, deciduous, and mixed woodlands.
These birds are typically found at elevations between 300 and 2,200 meters, though they can occur up to 3,000 meters in some areas. They are non-migratory, maintaining year-round territories in suitable habitats.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,520 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Black Eagle. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Black Eagle demonstrates exceptional agility through its specialised hunting technique of manoeuvring through dense forest canopy and snatching prey from treetops. Their graceful soaring ability and precise aerial control in mountainous terrain further showcase their remarkable agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
With a wingspan up to 182cm and weight reaching 1.6kg, the Black Eagle possesses considerable strength. Their ability to snatch and carry arboreal prey, combined with their unusually long toes for gripping, indicates robust physical power typical of large raptors.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These raptors display impressive adaptability, thriving across various forest types from sea level to 3,520 metres elevation. Their specialised hunting technique and ability to exploit different prey species across their range demonstrates strong adaptive capabilities.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not exceptionally aggressive compared to some eagle species, Black Eagles show typical territorial behaviour during breeding season and are accomplished predators. Their hunting prowess and ability to take various prey indicates moderate aggression levels.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their capacity for extended soaring flight, combined with their ability to hunt in challenging forest environments, suggests excellent endurance. The species' non-migratory nature and maintenance of year-round territories in mountainous areas further supports their high endurance rating.
Diet
Black Eagles are skilled hunters, primarily targeting small to medium-sized arboreal mammals. Their diet includes squirrels, flying squirrels, and occasionally small primates. They also prey on birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Their specialised hunting technique allows them to snatch prey directly from trees.
Behaviour
Black Eagles are known for their graceful soaring flight, often gliding along hillsides and forest edges. They are typically solitary or seen in pairs.
These birds exhibit a unique hunting technique: They fly low over the forest canopy and snatch prey from treetops or the ground with their powerful talons.
Vocalisation
Black Eagles are generally quiet but become more vocal during the breeding season. Their calls include a high-pitched, drawn-out whistle, often described as 'kleeee-ow'.
They also produce a series of quick, sharp whistles when alarmed or during territorial displays.
Nesting & Breeding
Black Eagles form monogamous pairs and engage in aerial displays during courtship. The breeding season varies across their range but often coincides with the dry season preceding the monsoons.
Nests are large platforms of sticks, typically placed high in tall trees on forested slopes. The female usually lays a single egg, which is white with reddish-brown markings.
Both parents participate in incubation, which lasts about 45 days. The nestling period is prolonged, with the young eagle remaining in the nest for approximately 70 to 80 days before fledging.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Black Eagle is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting large tracts of forest within its range, particularly in mountainous areas where the species is most prevalent.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Black Eagles soaring above forested hills and mountains
- Observe their distinctive silhouette with broad wings and short tail
- Listen for their high-pitched, whistling calls during the breeding season
- Watch for their low, gliding flight pattern over the forest canopy
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Adult Black Eagles have few natural predators due to their size and aerial prowess. However, eggs and nestlings may be vulnerable to other large birds of prey and arboreal mammals.
Did You Know?
- Black Eagles have unusually long toes, an adaptation for snatching prey from tree branches.
- They are one of the few eagle species that specialise in hunting in dense forest canopies.
- Despite their name, Black Eagles are not completely black but have subtle brown tones in their plumage.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Ictinaetus malaiensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22696019A264016068.
View source - 2
report, 2001: Ferguson-Lees et al.
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