Black Eagle
NameBlack Eagle
Common NameBlack Eagle
Scientific NameIctinaetus malaiensis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)171
Length (cm)75
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsEntirely glossy black plumage, often appearing uniformly dark. It has a prominent yellow cere and yellow feet, which contrast with its dark feathers. Some individuals may show faint barring on the undertail coverts or flight feathers, but this is usually subtle.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, high-pitched, drawn-out 'kweee-kweee' or 'heee-heee' call, often given while soaring. It can also produce a series of short, sharp whistles.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across a wide range in tropical and subtropical Asia, extending from the Himalayan foothills and India through Southeast Asia to Indonesia and the Philippines.
Identifying FeaturesUniformly glossy black plumage, Long, broad wings with splayed primary feathers, Relatively long tail, Yellow cere and feet, Slow, buoyant flight style, often soaring
Description
The Black Eagle is a large, slender raptor characterized by its entirely glossy black plumage, long broad wings, and a relatively long tail. It is known for its slow, buoyant flight over forested hills and its unique foraging behavior of snatching eggs and nestlings from tree canopies.
