IUCN: Vulnerable
- Animals & Habitats
- Our Animals
- Vulnerable
FUN FACT
The Martial Eagle is sometimes called the “leopard of the air,” both for its spotted pattern and its ferocious efficiency as a predator. They are one of the strongest eagle species in Africa, able to knock an adult man off his feet!
A large and powerful eagle of Africa, the Martial Eagle is found in sparse woodlands and other open habitats such as steppes, savannas, and shrublands. Martial Eagles are extremely powerful predators, feeding on medium-sized vertebrates which they catch after stooping from a high soar. Martial Eagles build large stick nests in the fork of a tree, and their young often stay with their parents for an entire year. Despite generally avoiding settled areas, this species is rapidly declining due to poisoning and shooting, habitat loss, and pollution, as well as collisions and electrocution associated with power lines.
Habitat
Prefers sparse woodlands and woodland edges; also other open habitats such as deserts, steppes, savannas, grasslands, and shrublands; generally avoids settled areas.
Diet
Mainly medium-sized vertebrates, such as gamebirds, waterfowl, and hornbills; also monitor lizards, hares, hyraxes, mongooses, monkeys, and small antelopes, depending on the foraging habitat
Status
Vulnerable
Breeding
Martial Eagles build large stick nests (c. 2m across and 5-70 m above ground) in the main fork of a tree; in open areas they will nest on power pylons, cliffs, or boulders. Active nests, visible from a great distance, are lined with fresh green leaves. One egg (rarely 2) is incubated for 47–53 days; young fledges in 96–104 days and may remain with the parents for up to a year after fledging.
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