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Imperial Eagle

Aquila heliaca
Accipitridae Declining

The eastern imperial eagle is a large bird of prey that breeds in southeastern Europe and extensively through West and Central Asia. Most populations are migratory and winter in northeastern Africa, the Middle East and South and East Asia. Like all eagles, the eastern imperial eagle is a member of the family Accipitridae. Furthermore, its feathered legs mark it as a member of the subfamily Aquilinae. It is a large, dark-colored eagle, with a resemblance to other members of the genus Aquila, but it is usually the darkest species in its range. It is an opportunistic predator that mostly selects smallish mammals as prey but also a fairly large proportion of birds, reptile and other prey types, including carrion. Compared to other Aquila eagles, it has a strong preference for the interface of tall woods with plains and other open, relatively flat habitats, including the wooded mosaics of the steppe. Normally, nests are located in large, mature trees and the parents raise around one or two fledglings. The global population is small and declining due to persecution, loss of habitat and prey. It has therefore been IUCN Red Listed as Vulnerable since 1994.

Summary from Wikipedia

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In Türkiye

Seasonal status
Year-round

Recorded in Türkiye throughout the year.

Where it stands out
BoluTekirdağEskişehirÇankırıKütahya

Provinces where it makes up the largest share of bird records.

Records by month

Adjusted for how many birdwatchers are out each month; the busiest month = 100%.

2,297 records from Türkiye · #241 of 634 species by number of records. Source: GBIF.org (October 2026). All birds of Türkiye

At a glance

Family
Accipitridae
Group
Hawks, Eagles, Kites, and Allies
Conservation status
Declining

The imperial eagle is a majestic eagle with white shoulder patches, breeding on plains and steppe edges, and is globally threatened.

Similar birds

All birds

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