Lesser Spotted Eagle

The Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) is a large bird of prey. It is about 60 cm in length and has a wingspan of 150cm. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. The birds formerly considered to be the resident Indian race of this species are now considered a separate species, the Indian Spotted Eagle Aquila hastata[1]

It breeds in central and eastern Europe and winters in Africa. This eagle lays 1-3 eggs in a tree nest.

This is a species of open or lightly wooded country, which hunts small mammals and similar terrestrial prey.

This is a medium-sized eagle. Its head and wing coverts are pale brown and contrast with the generally dark plumage. The head and bill are small for an eagle. There is often a white patch on the upperwings. The juvenile has less contrast in the wings, but larger areas of white.

The call is a dog-like yip.

This is a wary species in Europe, but in India can be approached quite closely for a large raptor.