Booted Eagle

The booted eagle occurs from southern Europe through the Middle East and central Asia to the Indian subcontinent, with additional populations and wintering areas in Africa. Many birds migrate across the Sahara between Eurasian breeding grounds and African winter ranges. It occupies forests, mixed woodland, scrub, mountain slopes, marshes, coastal dunes, and agricultural mosaics from sea level to about 3,000 metres. Adults measure 50–54 cm, span 110–135 cm, and weigh 0.6–1.2 kg, making this a comparatively small eagle. (Animal Diversity Web)

Booted eagles hunt birds, rabbits, rodents, other small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. They scan from perches or circle above open ground, sometimes pursuing birds through the tree canopy, though much prey is captured on the ground. Elaborate courtship includes steep dives, rapid upward sweeps, and repeated calling. Eggs are laid from March to June. A clutch normally contains two eggs, although one or three may occur. The female performs most of the 37–40-day incubation, and both chicks often survive. (Animal Diversity Web)