After decades of human persecution, the eastern imperial eagle is today one of Europe’s most endangered raptors. Poisoning is the most severe threat caused either as a consequence of accidental exposure to pest-control chemicals intended for rodents or as a result of the intentional use of unauthorized poisoned bait aimed at wolves, foxes, or birds of prey.Unfortunately, these eastern imperial eagles are also sometimes killed by power lines. The species is likewise extremely sensitive to human disturbance, causing habitat loss. BirdLife International has been working on conservation actions for this beautiful imperial eagle to get them in better shape.Scroll down to discover some more interesting facts and information about the eastern imperial eagle. Also, check out toco toucan facts or northern bobwhite facts for more interesting reading.
Fun Eastern Imperial Eagle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Small mammals, Reptiles, Snakes, Carrion
What do they eat? Carnivorous
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? Male: 5.4-5.9 lb (2.45 – 2.72 Kg) Female: 6.96-9.98 lb (3.16 – 4.53 Kg)
How long are they? 28.3-33.1 in (72–84 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Brown
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Power Lines, Poison
What is their conservation status? Vulnerable
Where you’ll find them? Forests, Mountains, Steppes
Locations Europe, Northeastern Africa, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Aquila
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
Eastern Imperial Eagle Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is an eastern imperial eagle?The eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) is one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagle species known as raptors. These birds of prey hunt and feast on live prey, birds and also eat carrion.What class of animal does an eastern imperial eagle belong to?The eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) belongs to the Aves class of birds and member of the Accipitridae family of eagles and hawks. Furthermore, its well-feathered legs classify it as a member of the Aquilinae subfamily.How many eastern imperial eagles are there in the world?The eastern imperial eagle’s (Aquila heliaca) population in the world is estimated to be between 8,100 to 11,900 breeding pairs based on the most recent information available from various approaches.Where does an eastern imperial eagle live?Eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) is a lowland species moved to higher altitudes due to persecution and habitat destruction. It generally breeds in forests up to 3280.8 ft (1,000 m) above sea level in Central and Eastern Europe, Northeastern Africa, and Asia. They are found all over southern Europe, from Greece to southern Russia. It can be found as far south as a line stretched from Cyprus to northwest India and as far east as Central Siberia. It migrates to northeast Africa in the winter, from Egypt to Kenya, India, and southeast China. The Spanish imperial eagle, which was initially identified as a subspecies, is found throughout central and southwest Spain and nearby portions of Portugal on the Arabian peninsula.What is an eastern imperial eagle’s habitat?Eastern imperial eagles (Aquila heliaca) live along woodlands, constructing a large, distinct nest in an isolated tall tree. Typical habitats include forest regions in mountains, hills, and along rivers. However, these birds have also been observed living in open landscapes, agricultural areas, steppes, and even semideserts. Imperial eagles hunt in wetlands or open fields. During migration in winter, they prefer wetlands.Who do eastern imperial eagles live with?Eastern imperial eagles (Aquila heliaca), except during migrations, are solitary animals that live alone nesting in an isolated tall tree. During migration, each eagle usually travels on its own, but when the journey begins, they are likely to gather in loose flocks of ten or more.How long does an eastern imperial eagle live?In its distribution in the wild, these birds can survive for 26 years and in captivity for 44 years.How do they reproduce?The eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) is a monogamous bird that chooses its mate around the age of four. Each pair will construct an eyrie, its tree nest, on the top of a tree. The female normally lays two eggs after mating, but occasionally up to three or four eggs. These eggs must be incubated for nearly 43 days till hatching, and both parents will participate in the incubation process. The baby eagles are ready to fly when they reach the age of 60 days. However, they remain near the nest for a further two weeks and are fed by the mother until they can hunt for themselves.What is their conservation status?Based on recent information, the IUCN Red List categorizes these birds as Vulnerable at a global level.Eastern Imperial Eagle Fun FactsWhat do eastern imperial eagles look like?Adults are a dark brown and pale golden head and nape and a grey base that runs all the way to the tail. They also have apparent white braces on their scapulars. Juveniles are paler and more varied than adults. They have a long and thick neck, a large head and beak with a gape line level with the center of the eye, a longish square-tipped tail. Their relatively long and well-feathered legs and strong feet utilize to capture, kill, and transport their prey. They also have large eyes with incredibly sharp vision, allowing them to locate prey from great heights.How cute are they?If you happen to see this stunning bird with a dark brown body and white scapular patterns along with a fairly long wingspan in the wild, it will undoubtedly attract your attention.How do they communicate?The eastern imperial eagle is highly noisy on its breeding ground; otherwise, it remains silent nearly everywhere. A deep ‘kraw-kraw’ is their dominant call. This is usually repeated up to 8-10 times rapidly. These birds frequently call during their aerial displays or from a perch, or it may be a predator alarm.How big is an eastern imperial eagle?These birds are the second-largest eagle in Europe; this German imperial eagle’s body length measures 28.3 - 33.1 in (72 - 84 cm) and a wingspan of 70.8 - 84.6 in (180 - 215 cm).How fast can an eastern imperial eagle fly?According to information from the BirdLife International website, its maximum speed is 49.7 mph (79.9 kph).How much does an eastern imperial eagle weigh?The average male body weight range between 5.4-5.9 lb (2.45-2.72 kg), whereas the Female body weight range between 6.96-9.98 lb (3.16 -4.53 kg).What are the male and female names of the species?There are no distinct names for male and female species. However, they are difficult to distinguish because the species exhibits slight sexual dimorphism, with females being slightly thicker.What would you call a baby eastern imperial eagle?A baby eastern imperial eagle is commonly referred to as a chick or eaglet.What do they eat?Like other birds of prey, the imperial eagle is a carnivore. Its primary food source is small to medium-sized mammals, mostly hamsters, and susliks. However, it will also consume reptiles, including some deadly snakes such as Russell’s viper, as well as young magpies, waders, rodents, and ducks. It has also been seen eating carrion and taking lambs that have previously died. Its hunting style is distinct; first, it slowly flies in open areas near the woodland where it nests, waiting just above treetop level and scanning for prey. Its keen vision makes it simple to identify prey. When it locates an appropriate prey item, it will dive down on it, killing and carrying the prey with its claws.Are they poisonous?No, they are not poisonous to humans.Would they make a good pet?No, the species are enormous raptors that belong to the wild and are not kept as pets. Because of the fall in its population, these birds are only bred in captivity.Did you know…These individuals can travel across long distances, traveling 4971 miles (8000 km) in just a few weeks. At the same time, most breeding populations in Eastern Europe spend the winter in the Middle East or Africa. The majority of populations from Central Europeans who live in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and the Czech Republic do not migrate.Are eastern imperial eagles endangered?This species’ global population is declining, and so are related species such as the Spanish imperial eagle as they pose multiple challenges and hence are endangered. The most serious issues are habitat damage, unlawful poisoning, and electrocution. They are extremely sensitive to human disturbance, such as the destruction of breeding and foraging habitats as a result of increased forestry, agricultural growth, road construction, and other infrastructure. This human interference will increase the shortage of appropriate nesting trees and limit prey availability, leading to the eagles’ evacuation. Other dangers include collisions with power cables, as well as unlawful shooting in some circumstances. Many conservation activities for these birds are currently in progress in their habitat areas to bring back their populations.What is the difference between an eastern imperial eagle and an American bald eagle?Despite being one of the largest eagles, the Eastern imperial eagle is typically smaller, appearing thinner and less muscular than the American bald eagle. Both have brown bodies, but the bald eagle has a white head and tail, whereas the Imperial eagle has a pale golden crown and tail. The bald eagle’s natural range includes much of North America’s wet area near abundant fish, but the imperial eagle preys on small mammals in Europe’s woodlands.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our hawk facts and hyacinth macaw facts pages.You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable eastern imperial eagle coloring pages.
What type of animal is an eastern imperial eagle?
The eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) is one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagle species known as raptors. These birds of prey hunt and feast on live prey, birds and also eat carrion.
Fun Eastern Imperial Eagle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Small mammals, Reptiles, Snakes, Carrion
What do they eat? Carnivorous
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? Male: 5.4-5.9 lb (2.45 – 2.72 Kg) Female: 6.96-9.98 lb (3.16 – 4.53 Kg)
How long are they? 28.3-33.1 in (72–84 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Brown
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Power Lines, Poison
What is their conservation status? Vulnerable
Where you’ll find them? Forests, Mountains, Steppes
Locations Europe, Northeastern Africa, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Aquila
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
Fun Eastern Imperial Eagle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Small mammals, Reptiles, Snakes, Carrion
What do they eat? Carnivorous
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? Male: 5.4-5.9 lb (2.45 – 2.72 Kg) Female: 6.96-9.98 lb (3.16 – 4.53 Kg)
How long are they? 28.3-33.1 in (72–84 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Brown
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Power Lines, Poison
What is their conservation status? Vulnerable
Where you’ll find them? Forests, Mountains, Steppes
Locations Europe, Northeastern Africa, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Aquila
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
Fun Eastern Imperial Eagle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Small mammals, Reptiles, Snakes, Carrion
What do they eat? Carnivorous
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? Male: 5.4-5.9 lb (2.45 – 2.72 Kg) Female: 6.96-9.98 lb (3.16 – 4.53 Kg)
How long are they? 28.3-33.1 in (72–84 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Brown
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Power Lines, Poison
What is their conservation status? Vulnerable
Where you’ll find them? Forests, Mountains, Steppes
Locations Europe, Northeastern Africa, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Aquila
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
Fun Eastern Imperial Eagle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Small mammals, Reptiles, Snakes, Carrion
What do they eat? Carnivorous
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? Male: 5.4-5.9 lb (2.45 – 2.72 Kg) Female: 6.96-9.98 lb (3.16 – 4.53 Kg)
How long are they? 28.3-33.1 in (72–84 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Brown
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Power Lines, Poison
What is their conservation status? Vulnerable
Where you’ll find them? Forests, Mountains, Steppes
Locations Europe, Northeastern Africa, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Aquila
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
What do they prey on? Small mammals, Reptiles, Snakes, Carrion
What do they eat? Carnivorous
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? Male: 5.4-5.9 lb (2.45 – 2.72 Kg) Female: 6.96-9.98 lb (3.16 – 4.53 Kg)
How long are they? 28.3-33.1 in (72–84 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Brown
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Power Lines, Poison
What is their conservation status? Vulnerable
Where you’ll find them? Forests, Mountains, Steppes
Locations Europe, Northeastern Africa, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Aquila
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
What do they prey on? Small mammals, Reptiles, Snakes, Carrion
What do they eat? Carnivorous
Average litter size? 1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? Male: 5.4-5.9 lb (2.45 – 2.72 Kg) Female: 6.96-9.98 lb (3.16 – 4.53 Kg)
How long are they? 28.3-33.1 in (72–84 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Brown
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Power Lines, Poison
What is their conservation status? Vulnerable
What do they prey on?
Small mammals, Reptiles, Snakes, Carrion
What do they eat?
Carnivorous
Average litter size?
1-4 eggs
How much do they weigh?
Male: 5.4-5.9 lb (2.45 – 2.72 Kg) Female: 6.96-9.98 lb (3.16 – 4.53 Kg)
How long are they?
28.3-33.1 in (72–84 cm)
How tall are they?
N/A
What do they look like?
Brown
Skin Type
Feathers
What were their main threats?
Humans, Power Lines, Poison
What is their conservation status?
Vulnerable
Where you’ll find them? Forests, Mountains, Steppes
Locations Europe, Northeastern Africa, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Aquila
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
Where you’ll find them?
Forests, Mountains, Steppes
Locations
Europe, Northeastern Africa, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Aquila
Kingdom
Animalia
Genus
Aquila
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
