The eagle

Popular name: Royal Eagle 

Scientific name: Aquila chrysaetos 

Geographical distribution: The eagle is distributed geographically throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. In Europe it is relatively well distributed. At present, the European population is estimated between 5,000 and 7,200 nesting couples. The national population is estimated to be between 56 and 63 nesting couples and should be increasing slightly. Most of the population nests in the Northeast of Transmontano and Alto Douro. The other couples are distributed in the mountains of Peneda, Gerês, Tejo Internacional, Marão, Guadiana average section and occasionally in other areas.

Natural habitat: Species that essentially nest in rock habitats (rocky), however, if these means are scarce, they can build their nests in trees. In the Iberian Peninsula approximately 90% of the pairs construct their nests in rupicolous means. It can nest from sea level to altitudes above 2000 meters. However, in the Peninsula it clearly prefers the mountainous areas and with less human pressure. Forests, mountains and mountains of Europe.

Feeding habits: It feeds on mammals, birds and reptiles of medium size, being able to appeal equally to dead animals. In most situations, the main prey consumed are rabbits, hares and various species of galliformes. It catches with some frequency other species of predators, like foxes or genetas. Generally, it catches its prey in the ground, preferentially hunting in open areas, avoiding very wooded areas. 

It feeds on seeds and fruits. In captivity, it is common to eat peanuts, sunflowers, green corn and fruits. 

Size: 95 cm long and up to 2m wingspan (it is the largest of the eagles). 

Weight: From 3 kg to 6,125 kg.

Gestation period: The eagle is a monogamous species, which performs only one posture per year, usually consisting of 2 eggs (sometimes it may have 1 or 3 eggs). The birds incubate the eggs for 43-45 days. This work is done by both elements of the couple, yet the female remains longer in the nest. The nest consists of a pile of branches and other type of plant material. 

Number of pups: 1 to 3 eggs. 

Average length of life: Maximum of 32 years in freedom; 46 years in captivity. 

State of conservation of the species: It is in the process of extinction because the man has destroyed its habitat and insists on stealing its source of food: hunting.