Verreaux’s Eagle, also known as the Black Eagle, is a striking bird of prey found primarily in the mountainous regions of eastern and southern Africa. This eagle is notable for its almost entirely black plumage, which is accented by a small but conspicuous white rump patch and white "V" on its back, visible during flight. Its powerful build and a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters (about 8 feet) make it a formidable hunter.
Verreaux’s Eagles specialize in hunting rock hyraxes, which make up the bulk of their diet. Their habitat preference includes rocky outcrops and mountainous terrains where these small mammals are abundant. The eagle's hunting strategy involves using the thermal updrafts to glide silently over these rocky areas, striking with sudden and deadly precision.
The nesting sites for Verreaux’s Eagles are typically located on cliff faces, where they build large stick nests. These eagles are generally monogamous and highly territorial, often using the same nesting area for many years.
Although not currently considered globally threatened, Verreaux’s Eagles face local threats from habitat loss and human disturbances, such as poisoning and persecution. Their presence is vital for maintaining the balance in their ecosystem, controlling populations of their prey species.
Today’s new species is a large type of eagle found across parts of Africa and the Middle East. Verreaux’s Eagle joins Birdorable today! The species, also known as the Black Eagle, was named for a French naturalist who collected the specimen used to... Read more »
