Booted Eagle

Hieraaetus pennatus

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Brief #

A small eagle, light grey to mid-brown plumages.

Synonyms #

  • Águila calzada (Spanish)
  • Aguia calzada (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Booted Eagle is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

A polymorphic small eagle, comparable to the common buzzard in size though more eagle-like in shape. There are two relatively distinct plumage forms. Pale birds are more common, mainly light grey with a darker head and flight feathers. The other form has mid-brown plumage with dark grey flight feathers. The feet of both forms are yellow as is the cere with the rest of the hooked bill being dark grey to black. Eyes vary in colour from a yellowy brown to a reddish brown and juvenile birds are similar to the adults and are also polymorphic. In flight, from above or head on, both morphs can be identified by the distinctive bright white spots on top of the wing at the shoulder.

Measurements #

Length: 38 - 42 cm
Wingspan: 1.1 - 1.32 m
Weight: 0.55 - 1.025 kg

Similar species #