Booted Eagle

This species is a resident breeding bird which is best seen in any of the mountain ranges but can be seen overhead in many locations. On the drive from Palma to Pollenca, they can often be seen overhead on the motorway.

Technical description

Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus, also classified as Aquila pennata) is a medium-sized bird of prey. It is about 46 cm (18 in) in length and has a wingspan of 120 cm (47 in). The Booted is a small eagle, comparable to the common buzzard in size though more eagle-like in shape. Males grow to about 510–770 g (1.12–1.70 lb) in weight, with females about 950–1,000 g (2.09–2.20 lb). There are two relatively distinct plumage forms. Pale birds are mainly light grey with a darker head and flight feathers. The other form has mid-brown plumage with dark grey flight feathers. The call is a shrill kli-kli-kli.