Verreaux's Eagle
Verreaux's Eagle - Aquila verreauxii - is a large
bird of prey, found in mountaineous regions of Eastern and Southern
Africa. Its distribution is strongly linked to that of the Rock
Hyraxes/Dassie and is fairly common in Zimbabwe,
Namibia and South Africa.
Description
The adult has black plumage
overall, except on back and rump. The back shows a broad white V-shaped patch.
Lower back, rump and uppertail coverts are white.
Underparts are black. The wings show a large white panel on both sides on the
primaries, extending to the leading edge. The powerful hooked bill is grey with
yellow cere and gape. Eyes are brown, surrounded by yellow eye-ring. Lores are
yellow. Legs and feet are yellow with black talons. Sexes are similar.
Juveniles are usually light and dark brown with a black face.
Call
They are usually silent. During
the flight displays, it sometimes gives a harsh yelping call and a they also
utter a melodious “keee-up”.
Food
It is a specialist hunter of Rock
Hyraxes/Dassies, but will prey on birds, mammals and large rodents. These birds
of prey are territorial and the pair will often hunt cooperatively.
Breeding
A territorial solitary nester
with the nest being built by both sexes over a period of six weeks to four
months. Eggs are laid between April and July, with two cream-coloured eggs
laid. The eggs are mainly incubated by the female for about 44 to 48 days with
the male feeding her at the nest. The older chick relentlessly attacks its
younger sibling until it dies. The chick leaves the nest at between 90 to 98
days and is chased out of the territory by its parents about four months later.
Conservation Status – Least concern
This species has an extremely
large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under
the range size criterion. It is not threatened globally, with a remarkably
stable population in southern Africa, although it is near threatened in Namibia due to
its small population.
Birdwatching
Ask Aves Birding
Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a tour for you or book on one of the
following Aves Birding Tour/Safaris/Adventures see these magnificent
eagles: -
Aves Eastern Cape Birding
Tour / Safari /Adventure.
Aves Highlands / Tembe Birding Tour / Safari /
Adventure.
Aves KZN Birding Tour / Safari /
Adventure.
Aves North East Birding Tour /
Safari / Adventure.
Aves North West Birding Tour / Safari /
Adventure.
Aves Western Cape Birding
Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves West Coast Birding Tour /
Safari / Adventure.