Black Eagle

Least Concern

Ictinaetus malaiensis

This powerful raptor soars majestically through mountain forests from India to Indonesia, using its unusually long talons to snatch prey from treetop nests.

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

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Breeding

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 92
Strength 85
Adaptability 88
Aggressiveness 75
Endurance 87

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 20 - 30 years
0
8
16
24
32

years

The Black Eagle typically lives for 20 to 30 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

10,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[3]

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

Other names:

Asian Black Eagle

Family:

Accipitridae

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?

  1. Black Eagles have unusually long toes, an adaptation for snatching prey from tree branches.
  2. They are one of the few eagle species that specialise in hunting in dense forest canopies.
  3. Despite their name, Black Eagles are not completely black but have subtle brown tones in their plumage.

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References

  1. 1 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2024. Ictinaetus malaiensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22696019A264016068.

    View source
  2. 2

    report, 2001: Ferguson-Lees et al.