| Latin Name |
Polemaetus bellicosus |
| Conservation Status |
Near Threatened |
| Location
| Africa |
| Colour |
Dark Grey/Black & White |
| Length |
78 - 86 cms (31 - 34 inches) |
| Wingspan |
1.9 - 2.6 m (6.2 - 8.5 ft) |
| Weight |
3 - 6 Kgs (6.5 - 13 lbs) |
| Life Expectancy |
14 Yrs |
Main Characteristics
Martial Eagles are Africa's largest eagle and they are one of the largest species of eagle in the world. They have a body length between 78 and 86 cms (31 - 34 inches), a wingspan between 1.9 and 2.6 m (6.2 - 8.5 ft) and they weigh between 3 and 6 kgs (6.5 - 13 lbs).
They have a white abdomen with grey/black speckling and their head, tail and wings are dark grey/black.
Habitat
Martial Eagles can be found in sub-Saharan Africa. They live in a variety of open habitats from semi-desert, steppes, to foothills and moderately forested areas.
Diet
Martial Eagles feed on gamebirds, hares, hyraxes, small antelopes, monitor lizards and other medium sized vertebrates.
Breeding
Martial Eagles form monogamous pairs and they usually mate for life. Pairs tend to breed once every two years and the breeding season correlates with the dry season across their geographic range. Females lay 1 - 2 eggs and incubation takes approximately 45 - 50 days. Between 90 and 100 days after hatching the youngsters are ready to fledge.
The young eaglets are independent at 2 - 3 years old and they reach sexual maturity at 4 - 5 years of age.
Predators
Martial Eagles have no natural predators, except humans.
Subspecies
There are no subspecies of the Martial Eagle.
Interesting Facts
Martial Eagles are the only member of the genus Polemaetus.
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