Eastern Imperial Eagle

The eastern imperial eagle ranges from southeastern Europe through western and Central Asia to Mongolia and northern China, with migratory populations wintering in the Middle East, Africa, and southern Asia. It favors open steppe, farmland, forest-steppe, grassland, and semi-desert containing scattered mature trees for nesting. Adults are large, dark-brown eagles with pale golden crowns and conspicuous white shoulder patches. They measure roughly 72–84 cm, span about 180–215 cm, and females are appreciably heavier than males. (Animal Diversity Web)

Its broad diet includes ground squirrels, hamsters, hares, other small and medium mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and carrion. Pairs are monogamous and construct large stick nests in tall trees, often reusing and enlarging the structure over successive years. A normal clutch contains two or three eggs, although one to four are recorded. Incubation lasts approximately forty-three days and is performed mainly by the female. Both parents provision the nestlings, which remain dependent well after leaving the nest. (Animal Diversity Web)