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Short-toed Eagle vs Lesser Spotted Eagle

Circaetus gallicus versus Clanga pomarina

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Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) Short-toed Eagle
Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina) Lesser Spotted Eagle

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In short

The Short-toed Eagle and Lesser Spotted Eagle are both medium-sized raptors, but they can be distinguished by their structure and plumage. The Short-toed Eagle has a protruding head and long broad wings, while the Lesser Spotted Eagle has a more compact build with a shorter tail. Plumage differences are also notable, with the Short-toed Eagle being paler overall compared to the darker Lesser Spotted Eagle.

Identification tips

  1. Structure: Look for the Short-toed Eagle's protruding head and long broad wings compared to the Lesser Spotted Eagle's more compact build. 2. Plumage: Note the Short-toed Eagle's pale underparts with dark head and upper breast, versus the uniformly dark plumage of the Lesser Spotted Eagle. 3. Habitat: Consider the habitat; Short-toed Eagles favor open areas with reptiles, while Lesser Spotted Eagles are more often in forested landscapes. 4. Vocalizations: Listen for the Short-toed Eagle's distinctive calls during the breeding season.

Size

The Short-toed Eagle is generally larger, with a wingspan of 166–188 cm, compared to the Lesser Spotted Eagle's more compact size.

Plumage

The Short-toed Eagle typically has a pale overall appearance with a contrast of dark head and upper breast against white underparts, while the Lesser Spotted Eagle is darker brown overall. The Short-toed Eagle's underparts may have variable brown barring, whereas the Lesser Spotted Eagle's plumage is more uniformly dark.

Behaviour

Both species are often seen soaring, but the Short-toed Eagle specializes in hunting reptiles, particularly snakes, whereas the Lesser Spotted Eagle has a more varied diet.

Habitat

The Short-toed Eagle is often found in open areas and woodlands where reptiles are abundant, while the Lesser Spotted Eagle prefers forested areas and open landscapes with scattered trees.

Voice

The Short-toed Eagle's calls are clear whistled 'kyo-kyo-kyo' and plaintive 'mee-ok', mainly during the breeding season. The Lesser Spotted Eagle's vocalizations are not as prominently noted in the sources.

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The Short-toed Eagle and Lesser Spotted Eagle are both medium-sized raptors, but they can be distinguished by their structure and plumage. The Short-toed Eagle has a protruding head and long broad wings, while the Lesser Spotted Eagle has a more compact build with a shorter tail. Plumage differences are also notable, with the Short-toed Eagle being paler overall compared to the darker Lesser Spotted Eagle.

  1. Structure: Look for the Short-toed Eagle's protruding head and long broad wings compared to the Lesser Spotted Eagle's more compact build. 2. Plumage: Note the Short-toed Eagle's pale underparts with dark head and upper breast, versus the uniformly dark plumage of the Lesser Spotted Eagle. 3. Habitat: Consider the habitat; Short-toed Eagles favor open areas with reptiles, while Lesser Spotted Eagles are more often in forested landscapes. 4. Vocalizations: Listen for the Short-toed Eagle's distinctive calls during the breeding season.

The Short-toed Eagle is generally larger, with a wingspan of 166–188 cm, compared to the Lesser Spotted Eagle's more compact size.

The Short-toed Eagle typically has a pale overall appearance with a contrast of dark head and upper breast against white underparts, while the Lesser Spotted Eagle is darker brown overall. The Short-toed Eagle's underparts may have variable brown barring, whereas the Lesser Spotted Eagle's plumage is more uniformly dark.

Both species are often seen soaring, but the Short-toed Eagle specializes in hunting reptiles, particularly snakes, whereas the Lesser Spotted Eagle has a more varied diet.

The Short-toed Eagle is often found in open areas and woodlands where reptiles are abundant, while the Lesser Spotted Eagle prefers forested areas and open landscapes with scattered trees.

The Short-toed Eagle's calls are clear whistled 'kyo-kyo-kyo' and plaintive 'mee-ok', mainly during the breeding season. The Lesser Spotted Eagle's vocalizations are not as prominently noted in the sources.

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Short-toed Eagle · Lesser Spotted Eagle · My Tricky Birds