Booted Eagle
Hieraaetus pennatus
The Booted Eagle is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the spring and autumn migration periods, often in the southern regions of the country. It is a medium-sized bird of prey with a distinctive appearance, making it a sought-after sighting for British birdwatchers.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Booted Eagle in the field.
The Booted Eagle can be identified by its pale underside with dark streaks, a distinctive white forehead, and a broad wingspan with a rounded tip. Its overall shape and size, combined with its pale and dark colouration, make it a unique sight in British skies.
The Booted Eagle is smaller than a Buzzard, but larger than a Kestrel, making it a medium-sized bird of prey.
The male Booted Eagle has a pale brown back and wings, with a white forehead and pale underside featuring dark streaks, while its tail is pale with a dark terminal band.
Similar to the male, the female Booted Eagle has the same overall plumage pattern, although it may appear slightly darker and more heavily streaked on the underside.
The Booted Eagle's call is a high-pitched, sharp "kek-kek-kek" or a loud, whistling "wee-ee-ee", often heard during its migratory flights.
The Booted Eagle is a skilled hunter, feeding on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and is known for its agile and swift flight, often soaring and gliding with its wings held in a shallow V-shape.
The Booted Eagle can be confused with the Honey Buzzard or the Common Buzzard, but it can be distinguished by its pale forehead, dark streaks on its underside, and its more slender build, as well as its distinctive call and flight pattern.
Quick Facts
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