Text by Nicole Bouglouan
Photographers:
Steve Garvie
RAINBIRDER Photo galleries
René Lortie
http://rlortie.ca/
Tom Merigan
Tom Merigan’s Photo Galleries
Ingo Waschkies
Bird Photography
Callie de Wet
GALLERY
Sources:
L’ENCYCLOPEDIE MONDIALE DES OISEAUX - Dr Christopher M. Perrins - BORDAS - ISBN: 2040185607
LES AIGLES par Maurice Dupérat - Artémis Editions - ISBN: 2844164536
HANDBOOK OF THE BIRDS OF THE WORLD Vol 2 by Josep del Hoyo-Andrew Elliot-Jordi Sargatal - Lynx Edicions - ISBN: 8487334156
The booted eagles throughout the world
Introduction
The tenth and last group of the Family Accipitridae contains the true or “booted” eagles of several genera.
The best known is the largest genus Aquila which includes usually dark raptors.
The genera Spizastur, Polemaetus, Lophaetus, Stephanoaetus and Oroaetus are monospecific. But Spizastur and Oropaetus are merged (according to the classification) with the larger genera Hieraaetus and Spizaetus.
All these eagles are considered the most evolved raptors in this huge family.
Aquila chrysateos
Due to its feathered tarsi, the Black Eagle (Ictinaetus malaiensis) also belongs to this group. Its large size and several habits make it closely related to these eagles, and in addition, this raptor is very different from the other species.
These large eagles with feathered tarsi hunt and kill living preys for feeding. Male and female have similar appearance, but usually, the female is larger.
These raptors often have dark brown plumage. However, some forest species show black and white areas, small numbers have rufous feathers and only one species is black overall.
Spizaetus ornatus
Lophaetus occipitalis
Their habits, including feeding, hunting, displays, breeding and nesting are often similar. The differences come from the range and the habitat, according to prey and nest-site availabilities.
Numerous eagles are threatened by persecutions, disturbances, poisoning, habitat loss or degradation. However, several species are still abundant throughout the world.
Eagles are symbols of bravery and strength and have proud look in their eyes.
Often displayed on flags and coats of arms, they are admired and respected. Their feathers have been used by warriors, religious, kings and emperors, in order to enjoy some of its powers.
From the mythology to our century, people have always been impressed by these wonderful raptors, the masters of the sky!
Polemaetus bellicosus
To study these wonderful eagles is the main goal of this article about the tenth group of the family Accipitridae.
First part: Genus Ictinaetus - Genus Aquila - Genus Clanga
Second part: Genus Hieraaetus
Third part: Genus Polemaetus - Genus Lophaetus - Genus Stephanoaetus
Fourth part:
Genera Spizaetus and Nisaetus