The Indian Subcontinent provides suitable habitats to various species of birds for residing and nesting. Eagles are no exception in this regard. Various types of eagles have been recorded in India. These eagles are described below.
White-Bellied Sea Eagle
The distribution of White-Bellied Sea Eagle ranges from Mumbai to eastward in India and sometimes north to Gujarat. This eagle has a large, hooked and blue-grey bill, with a darker tip. The cere is lead grey in appearance. The bird has whitish head, breast, rump, underparts, under-wing coverts and tail. It"s back and wings are dark or slate-grey. The under-wing flight feathers contrast with the whitish coverts. The bird has a short and wedge shaped tail. The bird has black colored long claws. The adult male eagle and the female are similar.
Indian Spotted Eagle
Indian Spotted Eagle has been recorded on the Gangetic plains, in Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, southern Orissa, Kotagiri, Mudumalai, Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, Tumakuru and Karnataka. This is a broad-headed and pale brown plumaged bird, with pale spots. Among all spotted eagles, the Indian Spotted Eagle has the widest mouth. The iris appears darker than the plumage. The wings are broad and short. Even the tail is short.
Golden Eagle
Golden Eagle is a dark brown plumaged bird. The bill is dark at the tip, fading into lighter horn color. The back of the crown and nape are golden-brown in color. The bare portion of the feet is yellow in appearance. Subspecies A. c. daphanea has been recorded in India.
Black Eagle
The adult Black Eagle is a blackish bird. The bird has yellow colored bill base, cere and legs. The bird has long wings. The wing tips reach till or exceed the tail tip, when perching. The tail has faint barring. Male and female eagles appear similar. Subspecies I. m. perniger has been recorded in India.
Tawny Eagle
Tawny Eagle breeds in India. It has tawny upperparts. Its neck is long and the lower back is very pale. The flight feathers and tail are blackish. Its wings are relatively short. Subspecies A. r. vindhiana has been recorded in India.
Pallas`s Fish Eagle
The vulnerable Pallas`s Fish Eagle is partially migratory, wintering in northern India. The adult eagle is a dark brown bird. It has buffish to whitish head, neck and upper mantle. The color of its tail is black. Both the underwings and tail have a white colored band. Female bird is slightly larger than the male.
Other Indian Eagles
Booted Eagle, Bonelli"s Eagle, Serpent Eagle and Steppe Eagle are some of the other Indian Eagles.
