Lesser Spotted Eagle

Common summer visitor (Nov–Mar). Identified at rest by narrowly feathered ‘stovepipe’ legs, immature with white spots on the folded wings. In flight appears broad-winged; tail fairly short and rounded. From above immature shows translucent patches at the base of the primaries, thin white edges to the coverts and a white crescent at the base of the tail; cf. larger [Steppe Eagle]. Usually in well-wooded regions of the Kruger National Park, Moremi Wildlife Reserve and Chobe National Park, where it often mixes with Steppe Eagle. Flocks at termite emergences, groups often walking around on the ground to peck up termites, also feeds on birds, reptiles and amphibians. 1,2-2,2 kg.