Booted Eagle
Animal Description

The Booted Eagle is one of the smallest eagles in the world, yet it is a powerful hunter. Known for its “feathered legs” (hence the name booted), this raptor appears in two distinct color morphs: pale and dark. In flight, it shows a characteristic pale patch on the wings (in pale morphs) and a contrasting dark trailing edge, which helps birdwatchers distinguish it from other eagles.
It is a rare winter migrant to Sri Lanka, mostly spotted in the dry lowlands and open forests, often soaring high above with quick, agile flight. Despite its smaller size, it preys on birds, lizards, and small mammals.

Bird Identification
Small-to-medium-sized eagle with fully feathered legs (booted tarsi). Has two distinct colour morphs: Pale Morph (white or cream underparts contrasting with dark flight feathers, and a dark head) and Dark Morph (uniformly mid-brown underparts). In flight, both morphs show distinctive small white patches on the upper wing coverts near the body, often referred to as "landing lights." It is comparable in size to a Common Buzzard but has a more eagle-like silhouette with a relatively longer, square-ended tail.
Scientific Name
Hieraaetus pennatus
Sinhala Name
කැසරූප රාජාලියා
Animal Category

Leave a comment:

Your email address will not be published.

Leave a comment:

Your email address will not be published.