Booted Eagle

Hieraaetus pennatus

Family: Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks · Status: Rare migrant · Size: 50–57 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds from southwest Europe and northwest Africa across Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Siberia and northwest China; northern populations winter south to southern Africa, the Indian subcontinent and mainland Southeast Asia.

Identification

A small crestless raptor with a long, square-cut tail and diagnostic pale shoulder spots ('headlights') on the upperwing; both morphs also show pale uppertail coverts. Dark morph has a uniform dark brown head and body, blackish flight feathers, and pale brown underwing coverts. Pale morph has mostly whitish underparts with fine brownish streaks, blackish flight feathers and whitish underwing coverts.

Habitat

Reclaimed land and open country.

Behaviour

Usually solitary, circling and soaring on thermals.