Clanga hastata
The Indian Spotted Eagle (*Clanga hastata*) is a medium-sized raptor endemic to the Indian subcontinent, measuring 60-65 cm in length with a wingspan of 150-160 cm and weighing approximately 1.5-2.5 kg. Adults are uniformly dark brown, conspicuously lacking the "spots" implied by its name, a key identifier distinguishing it from its close relatives. Juveniles exhibit a darker, somewhat streaked appearance but not the distinct pale spotting of other *Clanga* eagles. Its relatively small head, ...
This eagle favors open deciduous or semi-evergreen forests, cultivated plains, and marshy wetlands, often near water bodies. It can be found from lowlands up to elevations of about 1000-1500 meters in foothills.
Its diet primarily consists of small mammals like rodents and shrews, various birds, reptiles such as lizards and snakes, and amphibians like frogs. It hunts predominantly by perch-hunting or ground foraging.
The Indian Spotted Eagle is a diurnal raptor, typically solitary or found in pairs, though it may gather at rich food sources. Its primary foraging strategy involves perch-hunting from a vantage point, scanning the ground for prey, or occasionally hunting from a low, soaring flight. It is highly ...
The Indian Spotted Eagle is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, with its primary breeding and year-round range spanning across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and parts of Myanmar. In India, it is widespread across the northern, central, and eastern regions, extending southwards into states lik...
Least Concern
- Despite its common name, adult Indian Spotted Eagles are uniformly dark brown and famously lack the distinct spots seen on other "spotted" eagles. - It was recognized as a full species only in 2002, having previously been considered a subspecies of either the Lesser or Greater Spotted Eagle. - ...