In the rugged mountains where the air is thin and the winds are fierce, the Black eagle reigns supreme. With wings spanning nearly six feet and a keen eye that can spot prey from miles away, this majestic bird of prey is a true master of the skies.
Clothed in feathers as dark as the night sky, the Black eagle exudes a sense of mystery and power. Its sharp talons are capable of grasping prey with incredible force, while its hooked beak can tear flesh with ease. But despite its fearsome appearance, the Black eagle is a creature of grace and beauty, soaring through the clouds with effortless ease.
| Serial Number | Characteristics | Description |
| 1 | Common name | Black eagle |
| 2 | Scientific name | Ictinaetus malaiensis |
| 3 | Colour | Black feathers with a wingspan of up to 1.8 meters |
| 4 | Average length | 70-80 cm |
| 5 | Average height | 70-80 cm |
| 6 | Type of bird | Raptor |
| 7 | Found in India in states | Throughout India, particularly in the Western Ghats and the Himalayas |
| 8 | Habitat | Forests, woodlands, and mountainous terrain |
| 9 | Status | Near Threatened |
Features
The Black eagle (Ictinaetus malayensis) is a species of bird of prey that belongs to the Accipitridae family. They are characterized by their striking black plumage with a distinctive white patch on their wings and a long, broad tail with rounded feathers.
The Black eagle is a large and powerful bird of prey, with a strong and sturdy build. They have broad, rounded wings that are built for soaring and a long, broad tail that helps them maneuver through the air. Their sharp talons and curved beak are ideal for catching and tearing apart prey.
As their name suggests, Black eagles have mostly black plumage, with a distinctive white patch on their wings. They have yellow feet and legs, and their eyes are a deep brown color.
Black eagles are large birds of prey, with males typically measuring between 70 and 80 cm (27 to 31 inches) in length and females measuring between 78 and 95 cm (31 to 37 inches) in length. The Black eagle is a large bird, with a wingspan of around 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) and a weight of between 1.5 and 2.5 kilograms (3.3 to 5.5 pounds).
Habitat and Food
Black eagles are opportunistic hunters and their diet varies depending on the availability of prey in their habitat. They mainly feed on small to medium-sized mammals, such as squirrels, rodents, and monkeys, as well as birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They have also been known to prey on larger mammals, such as deer and goats, when their usual prey is scarce.
Black eagles are typically solitary birds, but they may form pairs during the breeding season. They build their nests on tall trees or rocky cliffs and lay one to two eggs per clutch. Both parents take part in incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.
In terms of habitat, Black eagles are found in a variety of forest types, from lowland rainforests to montane forests. They are also found in open areas, such as grasslands and savannahs, as long as there are tall trees or cliffs for nesting and roosting. They are adaptable birds and can survive in disturbed habitats, such as plantations and secondary forests.
Nesting and Nurturing
Black eagles typically build their nests high up in trees, on cliffs or on rocky outcrops. The nests are made of sticks and twigs and can measure up to 1.5 meters across. The Eagles are known to use the same nest year after year, adding new material to it each season. They may also use abandoned nests built by other birds, such as crows or vultures.
Black eagles typically lay one or two eggs at a time, with a maximum of three. The eggs are laid several days apart, with the first egg being laid earlier than the second. The eggs are oval in shape and measure about 6-7 centimeters long and 4-5 centimeters wide.
The eggs of Black eagles are generally white or pale bluish-white in color, with some mottling or spotting. The color and markings of the eggs can vary depending on the individual bird and the environment in which it lives.
The eggs of Black eagles are relatively large compared to the size of the bird. They are about the same size as a chicken egg, but with a slightly different shape.
The eggs take about 40-50 days to hatch. The young eaglets are covered in white down and are initially helpless, relying on their parents for warmth and food.
Black eagles have dedicated parents and take great care in raising their young. The parents take turns incubating the eggs and bringing food to the nest. Once the eggs hatch, the parents continue to provide food for their young, regurgitating food for them to eat. The young eaglets grow rapidly, and within a few months, they are able to fly and leave the nest.
IUCN Status
The Black eagle (Ictinaetus malaiensis) is currently listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that the population of the species is considered to be stable, and there are no major threats to its survival.
However, it should be noted that the population of Black eagles in certain regions may be declining due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation. In some areas, the species is also threatened by hunting, poisoning, and collision with power lines.
