Martial Eagle
Polemaetus bellicosus

A: Breëkoparend
G: Kampfadler
N: !ari!khās
Sp: Mmakgwana
Ss: Ntsu e kgolo
Tw: Ntsu e thamaga
Z: inkosiyenkozi, isihuhwa

BIRD FAMILY
Eagles (True)

SIZE
78-83 cm (VL)

HABITAT
Occurs singly in bushveld, woodland and thornveld, but widespread; occasionally also found on open plains. Hunts while flying or from a hidden perch. Feeding on gamebirds, mammals, small antelope, favouring monitor lizards. Nests are a conspicuous large stick structure on pylons or trees. Largest eagle in sub-Saharan Africa.

SPECIES DESCRIPTION
Fairly common resident. Distinctive large, long-legged eagle, most similar to Black-chested Snake-Eagle but differing in spotted underparts (female more than male) and fully feathered legs; in flight by dark (not whitish) underwings. Immature differs from first year plumage Crowned Eagle in brownish or grey-blotched, not entirely white head and finer tail barring. Contact call (rarely) a loud, ringing ‘kloo-ee, kloo-ee…’ to mate or Juv.