Greater Spotted Eagle
Greater Spotted Eagle
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The Greater Spotted Eagle is a large, dark-brown migratory eagle that inhabits wetlands and forested areas. It is a powerful hunter, preying on small mammals, birds, and amphibians. This globally threatened species faces significant habitat loss.
Where to spot
Breeds in wetlands and floodplain forests across Eastern Europe and temperate Asia. It undertakes long migrations to wintering grounds in the Middle East, North-East Africa, and South Asia, often frequenting rice paddies and marshlands.
How to spot
Adults are uniformly dark brown with a relatively short tail and broad wings. Look for the pale primary patches visible from below in flight. Distinguish from Lesser Spotted Eagle by its bulkier build, deeper wing beats, and longer gape (bill opening). Juveniles are heavily spotted.
When to spot
Observe on breeding grounds from spring to early autumn. Migration periods, particularly in autumn (October-November) and spring (March-April), provide the best opportunities, often seen along coastal routes and wetlands.
Where to spot
Breeds in wetlands and floodplain forests across Eastern Europe and temperate Asia. It undertakes long migrations to wintering grounds in the Middle East, North-East Africa, and South Asia, often frequenting rice paddies and marshlands.
How to spot
Adults are uniformly dark brown with a relatively short tail and broad wings. Look for the pale primary patches visible from below in flight. Distinguish from Lesser Spotted Eagle by its bulkier build, deeper wing beats, and longer gape (bill opening). Juveniles are heavily spotted.
When to spot
Observe on breeding grounds from spring to early autumn. Migration periods, particularly in autumn (October-November) and spring (March-April), provide the best opportunities, often seen along coastal routes and wetlands.
Credits:
By Christoph Moning - https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/91594693, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112382352
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Juvenile Greater Spotted Eagles are notably spotted with white on their upperparts, giving the species its common name. These spots fade as the bird matures, leading to a uniformly dark adult plumage.
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