Greater Spotted Eagle

The greater spotted eagle ranges across eastern Europe, Russia, central and eastern Asia, the Middle East, northern Africa, and Southeast Asia. Breeding pairs occur as far east as mainland China and Mongolia. It is associated with forest and scrub forest near wet landscapes such as swamps, bogs, and riparian zones, but it also uses agricultural country. Adults are dark brown, whereas juveniles bear bands of pale spots over the upperwings. They measure 62–74 cm, average 168 cm in wingspan, and weigh 1.8–2.4 kg. (Animal Diversity Web)

This eagle is a carnivorous top predator whose diet consists mainly of small mammals and waterbirds, supplemented by frogs and snakes. ADW notes that mammals make up more than half the recorded diet at studied Russian sites. Detailed mating information is limited, although seasonal monogamy and cooperative parental care are considered likely, as in related raptors. Pairs lay one to three eggs. ADW estimates an incubation period of about six weeks by comparison with the closely related lesser spotted eagle and records sibling aggression among nestlings. (Animal Diversity Web)