Wild Birds

Spanish Imperial Eagles or Adalbert’s Eagles

Spanish Imperial Eagles or Adalbert’s Eagles

The Spanish Imperial Eagles, also known as the Iberian Imperial Eagle or Adalbert’s Eagle, (Aquila adalberti) are closely related to the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca).

Formerly (Sangster et al., 2002), the Spanish Imperial Eagle was considered to be a subspecies of the Eastern Imperial Eagle but is now widely recognised as a separate species due to differences in morphology (Cramp and Simmons, 1980), ecology (Meyburg, 1994), and molecular characteristics (Seibold et al., 1996; Padilla et al., 1999).

The binomial commemorates Adalbert of Prussia.

Distribution / Range

It occurs only in central and southwest Spain, Portugal, and possibly northern Morocco.

In 2006 there were around 220 pairs reported in Spain and 2 in Portugal, and though numbers are showing signs of recovery, it is still an endangered species. A small population is preserved in Doñana National Park, Spain (descendants from only seven pairs in 1970: Schuhmacher, 1973) but its stronghold is the dehesa woodlands of central and south-west Spain.

The species is classified as Vulnerable. Threats include loss of habitat, human encroachment, collisions with pylons, and illegal poisoning. There has also been a decline in the Spanish rabbit population, as a result of myxomatosis and other viral illnesses. The current population is estimated at less than 500.

In February 2009 one male of the extremely rare Portugal population was shot.

Description

The Spanish Imperial Eagles are smaller, 2.5–3.5 kg (5.5–7.7 lbs) and 75–84 cm (30–33 in) in length, and darker than its eastern cousin, and is a resident species (A. heliaca migrates to the southeast during winter).

Diet / Feeding

It feeds mainly on rabbits but can prey on many other animals, such as partridges, rodents, hares, pigeons, crows, ducks, and even dogs.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button