Scientific name: Aquila heliaca Savigny, 1809
Bird group: Birds-of-prey
Field characters. Length 75-84 cm; wingspan 180-215 cm. A large, heavy-bodied eagle with black-brown plumage and pale yellow crown and nape; usually with some completely white feathers on shoulders. Longish tail almost square and provided with 5-7 grey transverse bands. Soars with wings held straight and horizontal, appearing parallel-edged. Juvenile without white, plumage varying between sandy-yellow and mottled black-brown (in immature/subadult birds); usually darkly streaked and with an ochraceous crown; has 3 diagnostic pale inner primaries and pale rump. Flies heavily with rather floppy wing-beats interspersed with glides.
Voice. A number of barking notes repeated quickly: "owk-owk-owk-owk".
Distribution. Local and rare breeding bird.
Habitat. Occurs in open parkland country from hills to plains.
Food. Searches for prey during soaring or from perch. Feeds on medium-sized mammals and birds, carrion, and (occasionally) reptiles.