The African Martial eagle

The African Martial eagle

The African Martial eagle : (polemaetus bellicosus) is a large eagle native to sub-Saharan Africa countries. These incluced; Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, Malawi, not to mention  but a few. It is the only member of the genus polemaetus, a species of the booted eagle sub-family (Aguilinae) and has feathering over its tarsus. It is a fairly opportunistic predator varying its prey selection between mammals, birds and reptiles. Its hunting technique is unique since it is one of the few eagle species known to hunt primarily from a high soar, by stooping on its quarry. Due to its habit of taking livestock and regionally valuable game, local farmers and game wardens frequently seek to eliminate them. However, the effect of eagles on prey is almost certainly considerably exaggerated. The martial eagle is perhaps naturally scarce due to its requirement for large territories and low reproductive rates.  

Description

Martial eagles are Africa’s largest eagles and males are slightly smaller than females nearly (76% of the size). The adults have brown upper-parts, a short and dark crest. In addition, the underparts are white with brown to black spots that extend to feathered legs. Furthermore, the bill is long, strongly hooked and black. Toes are bluish gray and armed with large curved talons. Wings are long and slightly pointed with dark under-wing coverts, however the flight feathers are barred. The tail is short, lighter in appearance and is also barred although females have more spots on the underparts than males. Juveniles have pale to white upper-parts and have pale wings with light under-wing coverts.

Behavior

These eagles speed exceptional amount of time in air and spends most of the time hunting or soaring high above the ground. They are only perceived via binoculars (normally invisible to the naked eyes) with the help of their large wings and broad tail. They are also able to soar excellently although poor on maneuvering which directly explains why they avoid dense forests. These birds hunt by attacking in a well-controlled dive at a slanted angle and striking prey with their long legs.

They often perch on dead branches and trees that gives them a wide view of the areas. They basically return to these perches when resting since they are very shy and often avoid humans.  However, martial eagles especially adult birds, are typically devoted to less disturbed areas. They also tend to be very solitary and are not known to tolerate others of the own species in the area outside of the pair during the breeding season.

Reproduction

These birds have a slow breeding rate and nest in large trees or pylons often situated on hill sides. The nest is usually enormous about (4-6 feet in diameter) made of sticks up to 1.5 inches in diameter and lined with green leaves. Pairs may build multiple nests and alternate between nests on successive years. The nests are often re-used from year to year with the female repairing parts of the structure and re-lining the interior with leaves. Besides, mating seasons vary across the geographical ranges, although it generally occurs during the dry seasons and often breed once every two years.

Generally, the females lay 1-2 eggs and incubation lasts for 45 to 50 days and chicks fledge 90 to 100 days. However, males have been observed incubating and rarely bring food to incubating females until the eggs hatch. Thereafter, males will hunt and feed females for approximately 2 months. Chicks are born without feathers and become fully fledged after 90 days. Afterwards, they attempt their flight and spend several years in the nest before being chased off by the adults.  Juveniles remain close to the nest for up to 6 months, and do not reach full independence until 2 to 3 years of age. They usually reach reproductive maturity at 4 to 5 years of age. Generally martial eagles lack a mating dance although both sexes will make a loud distinctive cry during mating periods. Eventually, they form monogamous pairs which they mate with for life.

Vocalization

These martial eagles are silent for most of the year, however during mating season they cry kwi-kwi-kluee-kluee. Like all birds, they perceive their environment through tactile, auditory, visual and chemical stimuli.  The martial eagle is a weak and infrequent vocalizer since vocal activity has been reported even during the breeding season. The recorded contact call between pair members consists of the birds, usually when perched, letting out a low mellow whistle, ko_wee_oh. The same vocalization is known to have been uttered by females when male brings food. During territorial aerial display and sometimes when perched, adults may utter a loud, trilling klee_klee_klooeee_kulee. In fact, the territorial call may be heard from some distance. A soft quop may be heard, made by pairs around their nest, perhaps being a mutual contact call. 

Feeding

Martial eagles eat a variety of medium sized mammals, birds and lizards usually weighing between 1-5 kilograms. Determined, anything available in their territories including much larger animals like cape hares, squirrels, mongooses, etc. At times, game birds and waterfowl make up a large portion of their diet. Some of these include; francolins, bustards, guinea fowls, not to mention but a few. They also prey on animals like small antelopes, young impalas, vervet monkeys, baboons, snakes, monitor lizards, etc. In fact, these eagles have been seen killing and eating up to 35 kilograms.

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