Eastern Imperial Eagle

Aquila heliaca

Family: Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks · Status: Vagrant · Size: 72–83 cm · Conservation: Vulnerable

Range

Breeds from southeast Europe across central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, northwest China, Mongolia, and central Siberia; more northern populations winter to Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, the Indian subcontinent, southern China, and mainland Southeast Asia.

Identification

Adult has blackish brown plumage with a large head and bill, golden buff supercilium, ear-coverts, nape and hind neck, prominent white markings on upper scapulars, and pale undertail-coverts. Juvenile has buffish plumage with distinctive dark streaks on nape, neck, breast, and wing coverts (above and below) and dark flight feathers.

Habitat

Reclaimed land and open country near the coasts.

Behaviour

Takes carrion.