Cool Facts About The Booted Eagle
- The Booted Eagle gets their name from the large amount feathers found on their legs, which naturally looks like a pair of boots
- While the females and males look similar, the ladies are typically 10% larger than their male counterpart
- The Booted Eagle can be found from southern Europe into North Africa and all the way over to Central Asia
- You can pinpoint these eagles by listening for their unique “kli kli kli” sound, so keep your ears open and get ready to hear this magnificent bird of prey
The Perfect Nesting Formula
When it comes to creating the perfect nest, the Booted Eagle will try a couple of different strategies. How they build their nest all depends on where they live. In the northern areas these eagles will typically nest in the confines of tall trees (and sometimes on the ledge of a cliff). The southern population, however, doesn’t have a fondness tall trees. Instead, these southern birds will only nest on the ledge of very high cliffs. Sure this may sound dangerous but clearly it works for them.
Once the nest is created, the female will typically give birth to 1 to 3 eggs per year, which will hatch in about 35 days (after being incubated by the female). Roughly 50 days after hatching the little babies will take the giant leap of faith and jump off the cliff where they hope they will fly away safely. As they leave the nest, the Booted Eagle will begin looking for a wide variety of snacks, including reptiles, small birds and of course small mammals. I guess these birds deserve a good snack after working up the courage to leap off the side of a cliff.
Lifetime of Love
When it comes to long-term love the Booted Eagle knows how it works. These mates will stay together for their entire life often re-using their elevated nesting sites. Interestingly enough, the pair will usually get a break from each other during the winter months. For whatever reason, the Eagles will separate during the colder months, living a solitary life. Once spring rolls around the Booted Eagles will meet up and renew their old ties. It is nice to know that these Eagles know how to create a long lasting relationship.
