The quintessential bird of prey and a symbol of strength, courage, and prestige across cultures, the eagle is one of the most revered animals on Earth. Eagles belong to the Accipitridae family, which includes other hook-billed raptors such as hawks, kites, honey buzzards, Old World vultures, and harrier hawks.
Of the nearly seventy species of eagles, most are native to the continents of Africa and Asia. Africa alone boasts over twenty breeding or resident eagle species. These majestic raptors can be split into four main groups: booted eagles, snake eagles, fish eagles, and harpy eagles (though the latter are not present in Africa).
Fish Eagles
African Fish Eagle
The African Fish Eagle is one of the most iconic eagles in Africa, recognized by its distinctive white head, brown body, and powerful black wings. Its piercing cry is a familiar sound in the African bush. These eagles live near rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across sub-Saharan Africa. Perched in tall trees near water, they swoop down to catch fish with their barbed talons.
Madagascar Fish Eagle
The critically endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle, confined to the island of Madagascar, faces threats from habitat destruction and over-fishing. It shares many characteristics with its mainland counterpart but is rarer and more vulnerable.
Booted Eagles
Booted eagles, also known as true eagles, are distinguished by the feathering on their lower legs. Some of the most powerful raptors in Africa belong to this group.
Martial Eagle
The Martial Eagle is Africa’s largest eagle, known for its dark brown plumage, piercing yellow eyes, and commanding presence. With a wingspan of up to seven feet, these apex predators hunt mammals, reptiles, and birds across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their prowess, they are endangered due to habitat loss and persecution by farmers.
Crowned Eagle
Often considered the most powerful raptor in Africa, the Crowned Eagle preys on mammals larger than itself, including primates. Found in forests and woodlands, these eagles are formidable hunters, capable of taking down large prey with their strong talons and sharp beak.
Verreaux’s Eagle
Also known as the Black Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle is identifiable by its jet-black plumage and white V-shaped markings on its back. These eagles inhabit rocky hills and mountains in southern and eastern Africa, where they primarily hunt rock hyraxes.
Tawny Eagle
The Tawny Eagle has a wide but discontinuous range across Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Its tawny brown plumage varies widely, leading to confusion with other raptors. Adaptable to various habitats, Tawny Eagles face threats from habitat loss, poisoning, and collisions with power lines.
African Hawk-Eagle
Aggressive and skilled hunters, African Hawk-Eagles prey on medium-sized mammals and birds. They inhabit woodlands across sub-Saharan Africa but are absent in the northern, southernmost, and west-central regions. Like many raptors, they are in decline due to habitat loss and persecution.
Long-crested Eagle
Named for its distinctive floppy crest, the Long-crested Eagle thrives in moist woodlands and forest edges, feeding predominantly on rodents. This species is believed to be increasing in number due to the abundance of its prey.
Other notable booted eagles in Africa include Wahlberg’s Eagle, Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle, and the Booted Eagle. Migratory species such as the Lesser and Greater Spotted Eagles, the Eastern Imperial Eagle, and the Steppe Eagle also winter on the continent.
Snake Eagles
Snake eagles are specialized hunters of snakes and other reptiles, equipped with thick skin and natural defenses against venom.
Brown Snake Eagle
The Brown Snake Eagle, with its chocolate-brown plumage and golden-yellow eyes, is a formidable predator of venomous snakes like black mambas and cobras. These solitary eagles inhabit dense woodlands in West, East, and southern Africa.
Black-chested Snake Eagle
Found mainly in eastern and southern Africa, the Black-chested Snake Eagle preys on snakes, small mammals, and lizards. Its dark, brownish-black upperparts and white underparts with dark barring make it easily recognizable. This species adapts well to various habitats, including savannahs and grasslands.
Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle and Short-toed Snake Eagle
These two species, along with the Black-chested Snake Eagle, form a “superspecies” due to their close genetic relationship. Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle is native to the Sahel, while the Short-toed Snake Eagle migrates from Europe and western Asia to winter in Africa.
Congo Serpent Eagle
The Congo Serpent Eagle, found in Central and West Africa, is a slender raptor adapted to hunting in the dark understory of tropical rainforests. Its large yellow eyes and dark brown plumage help it blend into the dim light of the forest.
Bateleur
The Bateleur, named for its acrobatic flight, is one of Africa’s most striking raptors. With a distinctive appearance featuring a red face, cere, and feet, along with dramatic black and white plumage, Bateleurs are often seen gliding over savannah-woodland habitats.
Conservation and Final Thoughts
Africa’s eagles are among the most admired yet persecuted birds. Large raptors often conflict with human interests, especially farmers, leading to widespread persecution. Conservation efforts must focus on sustainable, nature-based approaches to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and promote coexistence.
Eagles play vital ecological roles, controlling pest populations and maintaining the balance in their ecosystems. Raising awareness and understanding the importance of these magnificent birds is crucial for their conservation and the preservation of Africa’s natural heritage.