10 Types Of Eagles To Spot In India

Crested Serpent EagleThis eagle's dark, white-tipped, bushy crest gives it a distinctive, large-headed look. It often calls with a loud, piercing and familiar three- or two-note call.Black EagleThese eagles soar over forests in the hilly regions of tropical and subtropical South and Southeast Asia. They are easily identified by their widely splayed and long primary “fingers” and slow flight.Bonelli’s EagleThis eagle is named after Italian ornithologist Franco Andrea Bonelli. They are often found in hilly or mountainous habitats, and build their nest on cliffs, ledges and in caves.Andaman Serpent EagleThe Andaman serpent eagle is found on all of the Andaman Islands of India. It can be seen perched on a tree, watching for small prey. Booted EagleThis bird of prey is found in forested parts of the country with open patches, often in hilly areas where it soars with wings slightly pushed forward. It hunts small mammals, reptiles and birds.Steppe EagleThe steppe eagle is a specialised predator of ground squirrels. Adults are entirely dark brown, while juveniles show a distinctive, wide white band bordered with black on their wings.Indian Spotted EagleUnlike other large eagles, this smaller species has long, lightly feathered legs and lacks baggy “trousers.” It flies over grasslands, scrub, light forests and wetlands.Tawny EagleThis species has a relatively long neck, a long, deep bill, moderately long wings with fairly pronounced “fingers,” and a slightly rounded or square-ended tail. It is largely sedentary and non-migratory.Grey-headed Fish EagleThis fish-eating bird of prey is often confused with the lesser fish eagle and the Pallas's fish eagle. Unsurprisingly, its nest is close to water bodies such as slow-moving rivers and streams, lakes, lagoons, reservoirs, marshes, and swamps.Rufous-bellied EagleThis handsome eagle is small and compact, with a black hood that contrasts with a white throat and rufous belly. In India, they can be found in the Western Ghats, parts of the Eastern Ghats and from Nepal to Assam.10 Predatory Birds From Around The World You Should Know AboutRead more