Booted Eagle
Hieraaetus pennatus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Booted Eagle exhibits two distinct colour morphs: pale and dark. The pale morph displays white underparts with dark flight feathers, while the dark morph is uniformly brown. Both forms share a distinctive white 'landing lights' patch on the upper wing coverts.
Females are noticeably larger than males, but plumage is similar. Juveniles resemble adults but may show more rufous tones on the underparts and a less defined wing pattern.
Size
Length
42cm to 51cm
Wingspan
110cm to 132cm
Weight
510g to 1.34kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Black Buff
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Booted Eagles inhabit a wide range of habitats, from open woodlands and forest edges to mountainous areas and semi-arid landscapes. They are found across southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, with some populations extending into the Indian subcontinent.
During the breeding season, they prefer temperate and Mediterranean climates. Wintering grounds include sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, highlighting their long-distance migratory nature.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Booted 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
Distribution by Region
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 Booted Eagle demonstrates remarkable agility, known for its spectacular aerial acrobatics and precise hunting techniques. Its ability to perform steep dives, loop-the-loops, and swift swoops on prey showcases exceptional manoeuvrability in flight.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Despite its relatively small size for an eagle, the Booted Eagle possesses considerable strength. It can take prey larger than itself and carry substantial nesting materials, indicating robust physical power for its compact frame.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable, the Booted Eagle thrives across diverse habitats from sea level to 3,000 metres elevation. Its ability to hunt various prey types and adjust to different climates during migration further demonstrates its adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst not overly aggressive towards humans, Booted Eagles fiercely defend their territories against intruders. Their predatory nature and ability to take on larger prey suggest a moderate to high level of aggression when necessary.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Booted Eagle's long-distance migratory behaviour, with some individuals travelling over 10,000 km annually, indicates exceptional endurance. Their ability to soar for extended periods and maintain territories in varied climates further supports their high endurance rating.
Diet
Booted Eagles are versatile predators. They primarily hunt small—to medium-sized birds and mammals. Their diet includes pigeons, jays, rabbits, and rodents.
They occasionally take reptiles and larger insects, showcasing their adaptability to different prey across their range. Prey is frequently located whilst the eagle is perched nearby and can be caught from a fast, almost vertical swoop from above.
Behaviour
Booted Eagles are known for their spectacular aerial displays during courtship, performing steep dives and loop-the-loops. They are generally solitary or found in pairs, fiercely defending their territory against intruders.
These birds often hunt by soaring high and then swooping down on prey with remarkable speed and precision.
Vocalisation
Booted Eagles are generally quiet outside the breeding season. During courtship and territorial defence, they emit a series of high-pitched, yelping calls that sound like 'kli-kli-kli' or 'kyip-kyip-kyip'. These vocalisations are often accompanied by aerial displays.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding pairs form in early spring, engaging in impressive aerial courtship displays. Booted Eagles are monogamous and often return to the same nesting sites year after year.
Nests are typically built in tall trees, constructed with sticks and lined with green leaves. Females lay 1-2 eggs, which are white with brown spots. The eggs are incubated for about 37-40 days.
Both parents participate in rearing the young, which fledge after 50-55 days but remain dependent on the adults for several more weeks. Only one brood is raised per year.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, Booted Eagles face localised threats from habitat loss and illegal shooting during migration.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding habitats and migration routes, particularly in Europe and North Africa.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their distinctive silhouette with broad wings and short tail while soaring
- Listen for their high-pitched 'kli-kli-kli' call during breeding season
- Observe woodland edges and open areas near forests where they often hunt
- In Europe, watch for them during spring and autumn migrations
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- The Booted Eagle gets its name from its feathered legs resembling boots.
- It's one of the smallest eagles in Europe but can take prey larger than itself.
- Some individuals can migrate over 10,000 km annually between breeding and wintering grounds.
Similar Birds
References
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website: BirdLife International. 2021. Hieraaetus pennatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22696092A206456835.
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