Spanish imperial eagle

Spanish imperial eagle
Immature
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Aquila
Species: A. adalberti
Binomial name
Aquila adalberti
C. L. Brehm, 1861
Synonyms

Aquila heliaca adalberti

The Spanish imperial eagle, Iberian imperial eagle or Adalbert's eagle (Aquila adalberti) is a threatened species of eagle that only occurs in central and south-west Spain, adjacent areas of Portugal and possibly northern Morocco, although the latter is disputed.[2] Immature birds during the dispersion period regularly visit Morocco[3] and have even reached Mauritania and Senegal.[4] North of the range they have reached as far as The Netherlands in one occasion.[5] Formerly,[6] the Spanish imperial eagle was considered to be a subspecies of the eastern imperial eagle, but is now widely recognised as a separate species due to differences in morphology,[7] ecology,[8] and molecular characteristics.[9][10]

The Spanish imperial eagle averages 2.5–3.5 kilograms (5.5–7.7 lb), 78–82 centimetres (31–32 in) in length and 180–210 centimetres (71–83 in) in wingspan,[11] and darker than its eastern cousin, and is a resident species (eastern imperial is partially migratory). It feeds mainly on rabbits, but can prey on many other animals, such as partridges, rodents, hares, pigeons, crows, ducks and even small dogs. The species is classified as Vulnerable by IUCN.[1] Threats include loss of habitat, human encroachment, collisions with pylons, and illegal poisoning. There has also been a decline in the rabbit populations, as a result of myxomatosis and other viral illnesses. The current population is estimated at less than 500.

In 2010, there were 279 pairs in Spain and 3 in Portugal, which is an increase of 16 pairs since 2009.[11] Despite showing signs of recovery, it is still a globally threatened species. A small population is protected in Doñana National Park, Spain (descendants from only seven pairs in 1970: Schuhmacher, 1973) but its stronghold is the dehesa woodlands of central and south-west Spain, such as in Extremadura or Seville and Huelva Sierra Norte.

In February 2009, one male of the extremely small Portuguese population was shot.[12]

The binomial commemorates Prince Adalbert of Bavaria.

Notes

  1. 1 2 BirdLife International (2013). "Aquila adalberti". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  2. ↑ British Ornithologists' Club 1988, p. 89
  3. ↑ Amezian, M., Irizi, A., Errati, A., Loran, H., El Khamlichi, R., Morandini, V., González, D. G., Garrido, J. R. (2015). Spanish Imperial Eagles and other eagles found electrocuted in Morocco and proposition of correction measures. figshare. http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.1613292 Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  4. ↑ González, L. M. & Oria, J. (2004). Águila Imperial Ibérica Aquila adalberti. In: Madroño, A., González C. & Atienza, J. C. (editors): Libro rojo de las aves de España: 145–152. Dirección General para la Biodiversidad & SEO/BirdLife, Madrid.
  5. ↑ Weenink, R., van Duivendijk, N. & Ebels, E. B. (2011). Spaanse Keizerarend over Loozerheide in mei 2007 [Spanish Imperial Eagle at Loozerheide in May 2007]. Dutch Birding 33: 94-102.
  6. ↑ Sangster et al. 2002
  7. ↑ Cramp & Simmons 1980
  8. ↑ Meyburg 1994
  9. ↑ Seibold et al. 1996
  10. ↑ Padilla et al. 1999
  11. 1 2 European Raptor Conservation European This is a national bird of Spain Spanish Imperial Eagle, Aquila adalberti. Accessed 17 May 2011
  12. ↑ http://ultimahora.publico.clix.pt/noticia.aspx?id=1367354 Encontrado morto o macho do único casal de águia-imperial que nidificou no país (Portuguese)

References

External links

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