Martial eagle
The martial eagle, recognized as Africa's largest eagle, is a formidable bird of prey that plays a vital role in its ecosystem. With a wingspan exceeding eight feet, these powerful eagles can soar over expansive territories ranging from 50 to 125 square miles. They have exceptional vision, allowing them to spot prey from over a mile away. Martials typically nest high in flat-crowned trees, constructing large stick nests that can measure over six feet wide. They are carnivorous and hunt a diverse diet, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles, adapting to threats such as habitat loss and encroachment from farming. Breeding habits vary by region, with mating occurring between September and July, and females laying a single large egg that is incubated for 45 to 53 days. Young eagles are nurtured by both parents and take their first flight after about 96 to 109 days. Sadly, due to hunting and habitat destruction, the martial eagle is currently classified as an endangered species, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
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Martial eagle
As Africa's largest eagle, the martial eagle lays eggs which weigh up to 6 1/2 ounces (180 grams). The adult eagle which grows from this egg is able to soar for hours at a time over a territory of 50 to 125 square miles (130 to 325 square kilometers). It is able to see its prey more than one mile (1 1/2 kilometers) away.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Polemaetus
Species: Bellicosus
High in the fork or top of a flat-crowned tree sits a large nest of sticks which may be over six feet (two meters) wide and over three feet (one meter) deep. The owners of the nest are a pair of martial eagles, Africa's largest eagles. It may have taken them several weeks to build their nest, and they use it year after year to raise their young and mate for life.
Upon the edge of the nest sit the eagles. They are 31 to 38 inches (78 to 96 centimeters) long and weigh between 6 1/2 and 13 pounds (three to six kilograms). The female is larger and heavier than the male. They have brown plumage, or feathering, on their heads, backs, and the top sides of their wings. Their throats, breasts, stomachs, and legs are clear-white with brown spots. Parts of the undersides of their wings also have this color and pattern.
All around the tree-top nest stretch the woodlands and clearings of the eagles' savanna and semi-desert habitat. From the edge of the nest the eagles fly on their broad, powerful wings. With a wingspan of eight feet (2 1/2 meters) or greater, they are able to soar and glide for hours at a time over the wide-open spaces and at heights that make them almost invisible to a human on the ground. The land for 50 to 120 square miles (130 to 325 square kilometers) surrounding the nest is the territory of the martial eagles, and they defend it from all other winged intruders. The nearest martial eagle neighbors are 20 to 25 miles (32 to 40 kilometers) away.
As the eagles soar high over their territory or fly lower to the ground, they scan the ground with their super vision for food. Martial eagles are carnivores, or meat-eaters. Any gamebirds, young impalas, jackals, lizards, snakes, and small mammals, such as meerkats, which the eagles see may become that day's meal. The eagles are able to see prey which is more than one mile (1 1/2 kilometers) away. As farmers and ranchers have extended their lands into that of the eagles, the eagles have also discovered that lambs, goats, and chickens make good meals. Because of this, some eagles have lost their lives to the owners of the farm animals. Another threat has been the loss of habitat due to farming and human settlement. Because they are apex predators, martial eagles are not threatened as prey by other animals.
Depending on where a particular pair of martial eagles live, they may mate anytime between September and the following July. Pairs in the northern ranges mate closer to September, while those in the southern regions breed closer to July. The female lays one large, beige-and-brown-speckled egg. Just as the martial eagles are the largest of Africa's eagles, so their eggs are also quite large. Each egg may weigh up to 6 1/2 ounces (180 grams). The female incubates her egg, keeping it warm with her body heat, until it hatches 45 to 53 days after she laid it. The father provides food for the newly hatched chick at first, but soon the mother also must hunt to feed the hungry and growing young bird. After 96 to 109 days, the eaglet, or young eagle, is ready to try its wings for the first time. Even though it can fly on its own, it may stay near the nest until it is six months to one year old. Martial eagles are able to mate when they are four or five years old.
The life span of a martial eagle may be as long as 25 years. Due to hunting and habitat loss, the martial eagle is an endangered species.
Bibliography
“Martial Eagle - Facts, Diet, Habitat, & Pictures on Animalia.bio.” Animalia, 2024, animalia.bio/martial-eagle. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Overholt, Will. “Polemaetus Bellicosus: Information.” Animal Diversity Web, 2011, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Polemaetus‗bellicosus. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.