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Body length: 55-65 cm
Wingspan: 145-165 cm
Body mass: 1200-1500 g (females larger than males)
Appearance:
Adults: dark brown with slightly lighter head.
Juveniles: dark brown with pale patches on feather-bases and (usually) reddish patch at back of head.
Largish eagle, found mainly in north and east. In flight, wings do not appear tapered, but of equal breadth throughout; ends of primary feathers resemble fingers. Nests in trees with leafy branches a key building material. While 2 eggs are laid, just one young bird usually raised, as older individual aggressive towards sibling usually 2-3 days younger. Aggression mostly ends in death (and consumption) of younger bird (Cainism). Diet of small mammals, though (for example) frogs also chased through grass, on foot. Breeding sites enjoy zone protection. Winters in parts of Africa south of Equator.
Descriptions drawing on content of Ptaki Polski (“Birds of Poland”) - a book authored by Andrzej G. Kruszewicz, and published by MULTICO Oficyna Wydawnicza Sp. z o.o.
