Hawks and eagles
Lesser Spotted Eagle
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Clanga 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.
Where to find
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In open country within the lesser spotted eagle's range, watch it hunt small mammals — voles, ground squirrels, rats, and mice.
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In lightly wooded country, watch for it hunting terrestrial prey — amphibians, reptiles, and sometimes insects.
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During the breeding season in forested parts of its range, look for nests in trees.
