IBERIAN IMPERIAL EAGLE
Aquila adalberti
DESCRIPTION
The Iberian Imperial Eagle is a large bird of prey characterized by its striking appearance, featuring a dark brown plumage with a distinctive white head and neck. This eagle exhibits a powerful build, with broad wings and a strong beak, making it an adept hunter. It primarily inhabits open woodlands and scrublands, where it can often be seen soaring high in search of prey or perched on trees surveying its territory.
FUN FACTS
- The Iberian Imperial Eagle is one of the most endangered raptors in Europe, with conservation efforts focused on increasing its population through habitat protection and breeding programs
- | This eagle is a symbol of wildlife conservation in Spain, and its presence is often used to gauge the health of the ecosystem in which it resides
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight2.5-4.5 kg
Average Length70-80 cm
Diet TypeCarnivore
Social Structurepair, typically monogamous during breeding season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-May)
- Habitat
- This species thrives in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, scrublands, and agricultural areas. It requires large territories with sufficient prey availability and nesting sites.
- Biomes
- Mediterranean Forests, Temperate Forests
- Native Range
- The Iberian Imperial Eagle is native to the Iberian Peninsula, primarily found in Spain and Portugal.
- Continent
- Europe
- Countries
- Spain, Portugal
- Diet
- The Iberian Imperial Eagle primarily feeds on small to medium-sized mammals and birds, with a preference for rabbits and partridges. It employs a hunting strategy that involves both soaring and ambushing its prey from a perch.
- Diet Type
- Carnivore
- Favorite Food
- rabbits, partridges
- Social Structure
- pair, typically monogamous during breeding season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
2.5-4.5 kg
Weight
70-80 cm
Length
- Coloration
- dark brown with a white head and neck
- Sexual Dimorphism
- females are generally larger than males
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-May)
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The Iberian Imperial Eagle is considered endangered, with a small and declining population.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 300-400
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urbanization, as well as poisoning from rodenticides. Collisions with power lines and illegal hunting also pose significant risks.
- Conservation Program
- Conservation efforts include habitat protection, monitoring programs, and breeding initiatives to increase population numbers.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use their size and strength to defend their nests and can be aggressive towards potential threats.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon