The Black Eagle, (Ictinaetus malayensis), is a bird of prey. Like all eagles, it is in the family Accipitridae, and is presently the only member of the genus Ictinaetus.

Distribution

The Black Eagle breeds in southern Asia from Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka to Southeast Asia. It is a bird of mountain woodland.

Identification

The Black Eagle is a large raptor at about 70-80cm in length. Adults have all-black plumage, with a yellow bill base (cere) and feet. The wings are long and pinched in at the innermost primaries giving a distinctive shape. The tail is also long, and shows faint barring. The wings are held in a shallow V in flight. Seen on hot afternoon, scouring the treetops for a nest, this bird is easily spotted by its jet black colour, large size, and a 'characteristic' slow flight, sometimes just above the canopy. Sexes are similar, but young birds have a buff head, underparts and underwing coverts. The wing shape helps to distinguish this species from the dark form of Changeable Hawk Eagle, (Spizaetus cirrhatus).

Habits

The Black Eagle eats mammals, birds and eggs. It is a prolific nest-predator and is known for its superb flight, zipping in and out of the canopy. Its sharp talons are specially adapted for snatching and holding onto the prey. It builds a stick platform nest in a tree and lays one or two eggs.

References

• Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern

• Grimmett, Richard; Inskipp, Carol, Inskipp, Tim & Byers, Clive (1999): Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J.. ISBN 0-691-04910-6

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