- Life expectancy
Identification
A large, dark eagle with long, straight wings that it holds flat when soaring. The adult’s golden nape and white shoulder spots are visible from a distance. Juveniles are pale sandy with dark-streaked underparts.
Colours
Adult
Very dark, almost blackish-brown plumage with a golden crown and nape. White patches stand out on the shoulders; the tail is grey at the base with a broad dark terminal band.
Behaviour
Eastern Imperial Eagles live in permanent pairs and defend extensive territories. North-eastern populations migrate in winter as far as the Middle East, Africa and South Asia; pairs in Central Europe usually stay in the breeding area all year.
Breeding & rearing
The large nest sits exposed in tall trees, in steppes also on power pylons. The young fledge after about two months and stay near their parents for weeks.
