Fauna
Bird

Verreaux's Eagle

Aquila verreauxii

Also 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
Verreaux's Eagle reference1 / 7
(c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyRock Hyrax, Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax, Cape Hare
ThreatsSecondary poisoning, power line collisions, nest disturbance
HabitatsRocky mountains, gorges, cliffs, Inselbergs
Life span16–25 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyAccipitridae
  2. SpeciesAquila verreauxii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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