Eastern Imperial Eagle

Eastern Imperial Eagle

Wildlife enthusiasts recently confirmed the presence of an Eastern Imperial Eagle visiting the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) during the winter migratory season.

About Eastern Imperial Eagle

• It is a large bird of prey.
• Scientific Name: Aquila heliaca

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Eastern Imperial Eagle Distribution

• It breeds in southeastern Europe and extensively through West and Central Asia. 
• Most populations are migratory and winter in northeastern Africa, the Middle East and South and East Asia.
• Like all eagles, the eastern imperial eagle is a member of the family Accipitridae. Furthermore, its well feathered legs mark it as a member of the subfamily Aquilinae.

Eastern Imperial Eagle Features

• It is the second largest eagle to reside in Europe. It can grow to a length of about 0.92 meters. 
• It can have a wingspan approaching 2.14 meters and have a mass of about 3.6 kilograms. 
• The species displays reverse sexual dimorphism, as do most birds of prey, in which males are usually smaller than the females.
• Adults are black-brown in color. They have a pale golden crown and nape and a grey base that extends to the tail. 
• Like other eagles, they have strong legs and feet. Their feet include long, curved talons that they use to seize, kill, and carry their prey.
• Average lifespan: 56 years

Eastern Imperial Eagle Conservation Status

It is classified as ‘Vulnerable‘ under the IUCN Red List.

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR)

• It is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, spread over 321 sq. km. at the tri-junction of three states, viz., Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• It lies on the northeastern and northwestern slopes of the Nilgiri hills, which is a part of the Western Ghats.
• It is part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, the first biosphere reserve in India.
• The name Mudumalai means ”the ancient hill range”. Indeed, it is as old as 65 million years, when the Western Ghats were formed.
• Habitat: A variety of habitats ranging from tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, moist teak forest, dry teak forest, secondary grasslands, and swamps are found here.
• River: The Moyar River runs through the reserve.
• The Oscar-winning ‘Elephant Whisperers’ was filmed at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp, located inside the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
• Flora:
  • It has tall grasses, commonly referred to as “Elephant Grass”, bamboo of the giant variety, and valuable timber species like teak, rosewood, etc.
  • It has wild relatives of cultivated plants, viz., wild rice, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, etc.
  • The habitat also has swampy areas (Vayals) and grasslands.
• Fauna:
  • The faunal assemblage includes: elephant, gaur, sambar, four-horned antelope, spotted deer, barking deer, blackbuck, wild pig, mouse deer, and predators like tigers, leopards, and wild dogs.
  • Around 8% of the total bird species in India can be found in the region.

Source: TH