Scientific name: Circaetus gallicus (J. F. Gmelin, 1788)
Bird group: Birds-of-prey
Field characters. Length 62-67 cm; wingspan 170-185 cm. Larger than Osprey. Under surface of body and wings variable from almost uniform white to densely dark-patterned; in most individuals throat and upper breast dark; tail with 3 prominent bands. At short distance pattern of dark lines on underwing is visible. Has a round, owl-like head with small bill and large, orange eyes. Upperparts brown tinged pale grey, contrasting with almost black primaries and tail. Juvenile strongly resembles adult. Majestic flight; soars on wings held horizontally, often with dangling legs and head and tail bent downwards; hovers frequently. Hunts for snakes, lizards, frogs, etc.
Voice. Rather vocal eagle which produces Common Buzzard-like mews and a somewhat compressed "kiioc kiioc kiioc".
Distribution. Locally fairly common or scarce summer visitor.
Habitat. Haunts damp lowland, valley forests alternating with open heath and grasslands, sandy or rocky exposures fringed with forest or parkland.
Food. Hunts for snakes and lizards by quartering over ground or hovering. When prey is seized it is carried into the air and eaten; large prey eaten on the ground or taken to nest or perch.
Eggs. Unmarked, becoming stained by nest material during incubation. Ground colour dull white. Texture fairly smooth/granular, not glossy. Shape short subelliptical. Size 74 x 58 mm (66-83 x 52-63), weight 136 g.