Spanish Imperial Eagle; Aguila imperial

Description:

Juvenile. Very threatened species of eagle that only occurs in central and south-west Spain and adjacent areas of Portugal. The current population is estimated at less than 500 individuals in Spain and 3 pairs in Portugal (2010). Only 50 pairs were counted in 1967. Fortunately, the population seems to be increasing slowly. The Iberian Imperial Eagle averages 2.5–3.5 kilograms, 78–82 centimetres in length and 180–210 centimetres in wingspan. Adults are dark with white on the shoulders and upper parts of the wings. Subadults are reddish. It is a resident species. It feeds mainly on rabbits, but can prey on many other animals, such as partridges, rodents, hares, pigeons, crows, ducks and even small dogs.

Habitat:

Spotted at Monte del Pardo, a protected mediterranean forest (old hunting grounds of the royal family) that lies at the edge of Madrid town, its southern limit 8 km. away from the city centre. It hosts seven pairs of A. adalberti.

Notes:

Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/640 sec.; f/13; ISO Speed Rating: 800. Exposure Bias: +1 EV. Focal Length: 300.0 mm.