As the title states, the martial eagle is the largest known eagle in Africa. The crowned eagle is the most powerful, but as for size, the martial wins. Talons down. These magnificent raptors can be found throughout sub-Saharan Central and South Africa. They prefer woodland edges, open woods, wooded Savannah, thornbush habitats, wooded hillocks, and open Savanna with scattered trees. Sadly, due to hunting, trapping, habitat destruction, and pollution, these eagles are listed as Endangered by the IUCN and their populations are decreasing all the time.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Polemaetus bellicosus
Weight: Up to 14.3 lbs.
Length: Up to 38 inches
Wingspan: Up to 8 feet
Lifespan: Up to 25 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Like other eagles, they are diurnal (active during the day).
2.) These birds are solitary except when partnered with a mate.
3.) They are also very territorial towards other eagles of their kind.
4.) Martial eagles have excellent eyesight that allows them to spot prey up to 3 miles away. Their eyesight is 3x more acute than a human’s.
5.) Even though a group of martial eagles is not a usual sight, a group of eagles is called a aerie or a convocation.
But wait, there’s more on the martial eagle!
6.) Martials prey on antelopes, primates, younger domestic goats and lambs, herons, storks, geese, venomous snakes, monitor lizards, jackals, and small to medium-sized wild cats.
7.) These birds are monogamous (mate for life).
Did you know…?
Their talon strength is powerful enough to break bones in a human arm!
8.) Females lay 1 egg that hatches in up to 53 days.
9.) South Africans call these eagles “lammervanger”, which translates to “Lamb catcher”.
10.) Martial eagles are sexually dimorphic in that females are much larger than males. This is a common trait with raptors.
Now a Short Martial Eagle Video!
Be sure to share & comment below! Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel. Videos added frequently!
Want to suggest a critter for me to write about? Let me know here.
Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here!
