The plight of the Martial eagle
Sep 20, 2017
4 minutes
by Dr Megan Murgatroyd and Dr Rowen van Eeden
Appearance
The martial eagle is considered the largest of the African eagles as measured by wingspan, which can reach 2.6m. Its scientific name, , refers to its ‘warlike’ appearance, likely derived in part from the short crest that gives it an angular shape to the head and bright yellow-orange eyes. Adult martial eagles are identifiable by a dark-brown head, back and upper chest, which contrasts with white underparts flecked by conspicuous dark-brown spotting. Young martial eagles are lighter in appearance, initially with a white chest and light-grey head with dark-grey upperparts that become progressively browner over about five to seven years as they moult into adult plumage. As they
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