Verreaux’s Eagle (Aquila verreauxii), alternatively known as the Black Eagle (leading to confusion with the Asian Black Eagle), is a large raptor. This eagle lives in hilly and mountainous regions of South Africa and eastern Africa.
It is 75 to 96 cm (30 to 38 in) long. Males weigh 3 to 4.2 kg (6.6 to 9.3 lb.) and females weigh 3.1 to 5.8 kg (6.8 to 13 lb.). It has a wingspan of 1.81 to 2.2 m (5.9 to 7.2 ft.). It is black with a distinct white V marking on its back. Juveniles are usually light and dark brown with a black face.
It is a specialist hunter of hyraxes (or dassies). The size of its territory often inversely reflects the size of the local hyrax population. At least occasionally, it will prey on birds of similar size to hyraxes.
It is highly territorial and can often be seen with another Verreaux’s Eagle, with whom it mates for life. The pair will lay two cream-colored eggs, four days apart in autumn, and these will hatch approximately 45 days later. In Southern Africa the breeding season stretches from April to June, sometimes into August. Its nest is a huge stick-nest platform in the shape of a platform. The nest’s diameter is about 1.5-2m. The 30–40 cm diameter bowl is lined with green leaves. The nest is usually situated on a cliff ledge, rarely in a tree. The nest site is generally marked by a ‘whitewash’ which is formed by the birds’ droppings.
This one is in a rehabilitation centre, where it will stay for the rest of it’s life. Having been damaged and brought to them for help, it will now never be able to return to the wild. But it does act as a good educational bird for the young, and may have them be more respectful of nature. I love this raptor, its power and beauty is second to none and has an attitude of “Beware”.
The Photographic Journey of bulldog. 