Verreaux’s Eagle

Fairly common resident. Large black eagle with white ‘V’-mark on back. In flight has characteristic narrow-based wings with pale white flashes ‘windows’ at the base of the primaries with a paddle shaped tail. similar to smaller [long-crested Eagle]. Immature mottled brown with rufous crown and nape, and pale legs heavily marked with dark brown. Usually silent, but utters a high-pitched scream near its nest. Pairs found in mountains, rocky hills and gorges, usually perched on rocks or flying at no great height. Often seen in aerial displays or hunting with mate. Feeding primarily on hyraxes and other medium sized mammals, gamebirds and reptiles while swooping close to hillside or rocky outcrop, hunting collaboratively to flush prey. Nest of sticks on cliff ledge or cave. 3-5,8 kg.