Bird · GBIF taxon 5229184
Verreaux's Eagle
Aquila verreauxiiAlso known as Black Eagle, African Black Eagle
Verreaux's eagles dominate the rugged crags and canyons of sub-Saharan Africa, where territorial pairs defend expansive mountain ridges year-round. They are highly specialized predators, relying on rock hyraxes which they snatch off precipitous cliff faces in high-speed stoops. A stark white V across their jet-black backs makes them unmistakable as they soar effortlessly along mountain thermals.
RaptorApex PredatorMountain Inhabitant
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Rock Hyrax
- Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax
- Cape Hare
Predators
Not available
ThreatsSecondary poisoning, power line collisions, nest disturbance
HabitatsRocky mountains, gorges, cliffs, Inselbergs
Life span16–25 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAccipitridae
- SpeciesAquila verreauxii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of inflicting severe injuries with powerful talons; observe nesting cliffs from a respectful distance.
- What to notice
- Look for jet-black body plumage with a bright white V-shaped patch across the back and rump.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a distance of several hundred meters from nesting cliffs and avoid climbing near occupied sites.
Responsible observation
- Observe from afar: Use a spotting scope or high-power binoculars to scan cliff faces without disturbing active nests.
- Watch thermal ridges: Scan high mountain crests during mid-morning when thermal updrafts help them soar.
- Look for the white V: Identify soaring birds from above or behind by the brilliant white patch across their lower back.
Primary Prey (c) dhfischer, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Co-occurring Raptor (c) Suvarna Parbhoo Mohan, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Giles Laurent / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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