Black Eagle

The black eagle is a large but slender eagle, about 75cm long with a wingspan of 148–182cm but a modest weight of 1,000–1,600g. Adults are all black, with a yellow cere and feet that stand out against the dark plumage. The long wings are pinched in at the base and end in widely splayed, long primary fingers, and are held in a shallow V. The tail is faintly barred. It is the only member of its genus, and the sexes are similar (Wikipedia, general species account).

It soars slowly over forests in hilly country, often just above the canopy, scouring the treetops for nests to raid, and hunts mammals and birds, particularly at their nests. Its black colour, size and slow, buoyant flight make it easy to pick out, especially on hot afternoons. It ranges across tropical and subtropical South and South-east Asia and south-eastern China. In India it is a resident forest bird with a large range. SoIB 2023 estimates a long-term decline of about 39% with a stable current trend, and rates it a Low conservation priority (Wikipedia, general species account; SoIB 2023).