Booted Eagle

The **booted eagle** (*Hieraaetus pennatus*, also classified as *Aquila pennata*) is a medium-sized mostly migratory bird of prey with a wide distribution in the Palearctic and southern Asia, wintering in the tropics of Africa and Asia, with a small, disjunct breeding population in south-western Africa. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family *Accipitridae*.

## Description

The booted is a small eagle, comparable to the common buzzard in size though more eagle-like in shape. Males grow to about 510–770 g (1.12–1.70 lb) in weight, with females about 840–1,025 g (1.852–2.260 lb) with a length of 40 cm and a wingspan of 11–132 cm. There are two relatively distinct plumage forms. Pale birds are mainly light grey with a darker head and flight feathers. The other form has mid-brown plumage with dark grey flight feathers.

## Distribution and Habitat

Breeds in southern and eastern Europa including Portugal, Spain, France, and from the Balkan, Turkey, Hungary, and eastern Poland eastwards over northern Iraq, Iran and east to the Himalaya and north to Mongolia and Russia (Transbaikalia). Also breeds in northern India. A separate breeding population also exists in South Africa. Winter distribution on the Indian subcontinent and in Africa south of the Africa (avoiding the rain forests in West Africa). Booted Eagles prefer forest with open areas like clearances. Can also be found in open areas like desserts or grassland or even on sea cliffs. In France, Booted Eagles have been observed hunting close to villages and even in cities.

## Migration

In Europe, most Booted Eagles are migratory. Only few spent the winter in southern Europe, for example in southern France or Spain. Most Booted Eagles leave Europe in the 2nd half of September and early October. They return between the end of February and the beginning of April. The young leave the breeding area before their parents.

## Breeding and Reproduction

It is not yet clear at what age Booted Eagles are first capable of breeding. During courtship, very fast and amazing stoops can be seen. Nests are normally built on trees, rarely on cliffs. Often, nests of other species like raptors or crows are used [GRIN 2009]. Normally 2 eggs are laid (sometimes only 1 egg or up to 3). Incubation time is about 36-40 days and the young stay in the nest for another 50-55 days. Like other raptors, after fledging, the young are dependent on their parents. For the Booted Eagles, this period is rather short with only about two weeks.

## Food and Hunting

The Booted Eagle has a broad diet. From insects up to medium sized birds and mammals, everything is taken. Birds are normally the most important food source. In Spain, large lizards, young rabbits and Red-legged Partridge. Birds are often taken on the ground. Prey species include larks, pipits, pigeons, starling or thrushes. The Booted Eagle is capable of spectacular stoops.

## Population

[BirdLife International 2004] estimates the European population to be between 4,400 and 8,900 pairs. The largest population lives in Spain for which [BirdLife International 2004] gives a range of 2,000 - 4,000 birds. In a more specific number of between 2,905 and 3,378 pairs is given. Other countries with larger populations are Russia (800 - 1,500) and France (380 - 650). Sometimes, the species breeds outside it's normal range. In the 1990s, a pair nests in eastern Germany, but this has not lead to a permanent population. The population in Spain has increased in some areas. [Mebs & Schmidt 2006] mention a populatioin increase in the Doñana Nationalpark in Spain from only 6 at the beginning of the 1980s to about 150 pairs in the year 2000.

## Threats

Loss of habitat (incl. old forests where the eagles nest and also hunt) is a concern for the species in south-eastern Europe. Illegal persecution, disturbance and loss of prey is mentioned in .

## Conservation

Important habitat must be protected. Disturbance during the breeding season (recreational activities and forestry work), should be avoided. Illegal hunting must be stopped. A detailed monitoring of the breeding pairs and their success could give more detailed information about population development. Prey species must also be protected.