Spanish Imperial Eagle

The Spanish imperial eagle, known scientifically as Aquila adalberti and also referred to as the Iberian imperial eagle, is a majestic bird of prey native to the Iberian Peninsula. This large raptor is adorned with distinctive white "epaulettes" on its shoulders, a feature that has led to its historical moniker, the white-shouldered eagle. The species is named in honor of Prince Adalbert of Bavaria.

Identification Tips

Adult Spanish imperial eagles are darker than their eastern imperial and golden eagle counterparts, with a rich blackish-brown plumage extending from throat to belly. The white band on their shoulders and leading edge of the wing is more pronounced than in the eastern species. Their nape and crown are a pale tawny color, contrasting with the golden-yellow of the golden eagle. Juveniles are markedly different, with a pale straw-sandy color and broad black bands on their wings. In flight, they exhibit a flatter wing profile compared to the golden eagle's upturned dihedral.

Habitat

The Spanish imperial eagle favors the dehesa woodlands of central and southwest Spain, where it finds mature trees for nesting and open shrubby areas for hunting.

Distribution

This species is predominantly found in central and southwest Spain and parts of Portugal. It is a resident bird, not known for migration. While stable presence in Morocco is debated, immature birds are known to visit during dispersion.

Behaviour

Spanish imperial eagles are shy and territorial, preferring areas with minimal human disturbance. They breed from February to April, constructing large nests in mature trees, often near wetlands. The average clutch size is two to three eggs, but typically only one to two fledglings survive per nest.

Breeding

Nesting occurs in dry, mature woodlands, with nests built close to areas rich in prey. The species is sensitive to human disturbance, which can lead to nestling mortality alongside other factors such as predation and siblicide.

Similar Species

The Spanish imperial eagle can be confused with the eastern imperial eagle and the golden eagle but can be distinguished by its darker plumage, more pronounced white shoulder band, and paler nape and crown.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Spanish imperial eagle primarily consists of European rabbits. Following a decline in rabbit populations, the eagles have adapted to hunt a variety of vertebrates, including water birds, partridges, pigeons, crows, and occasionally larger mammals like foxes.

Conservation status

The Spanish imperial eagle is classified as Vulnerable. Conservation efforts have led to a recovery from near extinction in the 1960s to a population of over 300 pairs by 2011. Threats include habitat loss, human encroachment, collisions with powerlines, and a decline in rabbit populations, their primary prey.