Spanish Imperial Eagle Article Index for
Spanish
Website Links For
Spanish
 

Information About

Spanish Imperial Eagle




  Name Spanish Imperial Eagle
  Regnum Animal ia
  Phylum Chordata
  Classis Aves
  Ordo Falconiformes
  Familia Accipitridae
  Genus '' Aquila ''
  Species '''''A adalberti'''''
  Binomial ''Aquila adalberti''
  Binomial Authority C L Brehm , 1861


The Spanish Imperial Eagle or '''Adalbert's Eagle''' (''Aquila adalberti'') is closely related to the Eastern Imperial Eagle (''Aquila heliaca''). It occurs only in SW Spain , Portugal and possibly northern Morocco . Until recent times, the Spanish Imperial Eagle was considered to be a Subspecies of the Imperial Eagle , but is now widely regarded as being a separate species.

The Spanish Imperial Eagle is smaller and darker than its oriental cousin, and it is a resident species (''A. heliaca'' migrated to SE during winter). This eagle feeds mainly on Rabbit s, but it can predate over many other animals, like Rodent s, Hare s, Pigeon s, Crow s, Duck s and Fox es. The species is classified as Vulnerable. Threats include loss of habitat and illegal poisoning. There has also been a decline in the Spanish rabbit population, as a result of Myxomatosis and other viral illnesses. The current population is estimated at around 400.

In Spain there are currently around 170 pairs reported and it is making a very slow recovery although it is still an endangered species. A small population is preserved in Doñana National Park , Spain but the bulk of its population live in the mediterranean woods of the central and southwestern quarters of the country.


EXTERNAL LINK