Hawks and eagles
Lesser Spotted Eagle
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Aquila pomarina
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How to recognize it
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Medium-sized eagle, smaller than many other eagles
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Dark plumage with pale brown head and wing coverts
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White patch on upper wings; adults show a clear white V on the rump
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Call: sharp dog-like yip
About the species
The Lesser Spotted Eagle gives an impression of a watchful, compact hunter. It does not look bulky, and the small head and bill stand out in its outline.
It stays wary and seldom allows a close approach. Its call is a sharp, dog-like yip that is easy to remember once heard over open ground.
It breeds across parts of Central and Eastern Europe, including wooded areas in Russia, from lighter country to mixed forests. It hunts small rodents and other small ground prey, and sometimes takes insects; in winter it moves on to Africa.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Aquila pomarina Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Lesser spotted eagle Encyclopedia article