Harriet Smith Photography

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"For The Love of Africa"

The largest eagle in Africa. The Martial Eagle is a very large eagle, with a length of 30–38 inches, weight of 6–14 pounds and a wingspan of 6-9 feet. It reaches adult plumage in its seventh year.

The Martial Eagle will evidently eat whatever is available, with a preference for game-birds and poultry. Their territory can vary greatly in size due to differences in food availability.

 Nests are built invariably in trees, at any height from 20 to 80 feet above ground, where the bird has a clear sweep off the nest. Pairs have one or two nests, which are used in alternate years if more than one, but for successive breeding attempts if only one. Incubation of about 45 days is normally by the female. The young is very weak and feeble when first hatched, but becomes more active after about twenty days. At 3 days feathers show through the down, and completely cover the bird at 70 days. The young is fed by its parent until it is about 60 days old, makes its first flight at about 100 days, and may return to roost in the nest for some days before leaving.

Photographed and Copyrighted ©2005 - 2011 All Right Reserved By: Harriet Smith

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