UKBirds

Greater Spotted Eagle

Aquila clanga

The Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga), occasionally just called the spotted eagle, is a large bird of prey. Like all typical eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. The typical eagles are often united with the buteos (Buteo), sea eagles (Haliaetus) and other more heaviset Accipitridae, but it appears as if they are less distinct from the more slender accipitrine hawks than believed.

It is 59-71 cm (23-28 in) in length and has a wingspan of 157-179 cm (5.15-5.87 ft) and a typical body mass of 1.6-2.5 kg (3.5-5.5 lb), with an occasional big female weighing up to 3.2 kg (7.1 lb). This medium-sized eagle is very similar in general appearance to its closest relative the Lesser Spotted Eagle (A. pomarina), which shares part of its range. Head and wing coverts are very dark brown and contrast with the generally medium brown plumage; the Lesser Spotted Eagle has a paler head and wing coverts. The head is small for an eagle. The similarities of the Greater Spotted to the Lesser Spotted often results in misidentification as being that species. This is further complicated by occasional hybrids between the two species.

There is often a less obvious white patch on the upperwings, but a light crescent on the primary remiges is a good field mark. The white V mark on the rump is less clear-cut in adults than in the Lesser Spotted Eagle. The juvenile has white spots all over its wings and lacks a lighter nape patch.

The call is a dog-like yip.

In winter, it occurs in the range of the Indian Spotted Eagle (A. hastata). From this recently-validated relative, it can be distinguished by the darker color and lighter eye (not darker than the body plumage at distance, lighter at close range), and in juveniles, the strong spotting. It is also a bit larger - though this cannot be reliably estimated in the field - and in the winter quarters prefers wetland habitat.