Aquila verreauxii
The Verreaux's Eagle (*Aquila verreauxii*), a majestic and powerful raptor, is one of Africa's largest and most specialized eagles. Reaching lengths of 75-95 cm (30-37 in) with an impressive wingspan of 1.8-2.3 meters (5.9-7.5 ft) and weighing 3.5-5.8 kg (7.7-12.8 lbs), this magnificent bird is instantly recognizable by its predominantly glossy black plumage. Distinctive field marks include a prominent white V-shaped patch on its back and rump, bright yellow cere, and yellow feet. Juveniles a...
This eagle predominantly inhabits rugged, mountainous terrain, seeking out cliffs, gorges, and rocky outcrops within arid and semi-arid environments. It thrives in areas offering abundant ledges for nesting and soaring updrafts.
The diet of Verreaux's Eagle is highly specialized, primarily consisting of rock hyraxes (dassies), which they hunt by soaring high and stooping swiftly. They will also opportunistically take other small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Verreaux's Eagles are diurnal hunters, spending much of the day soaring effortlessly on thermal updrafts or perching inconspicuously on high rock faces. Their primary foraging strategy involves high-altitude soaring, allowing them to spot their preferred prey – rock hyraxes – from great distances...
The geographic distribution of the Verreaux's Eagle spans a vast, though fragmented, area across sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its primary breeding range extends from the Ethiopian Highlands and eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) southwards through Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, ...
Least Concern
- The Verreaux's Eagle is renowned for its extreme dietary specialization, with rock hyraxes often comprising over 90% of its prey in some regions. - They are one of the few raptor species known to frequently hunt in pairs, with one bird often flushing prey while the other ambushes it. - Their dr...