Soon after our close encounter with the Crowned Hawk-Eagle, Africa's 2nd largest raptor; we saw this immature Martial Eagle which is Africa's largest raptor. It is similar in appearance to the immature Crowned Hawk-Eagle but lacks barring on its leggings and has a much shorter tail. It takes Martial Eagles 7 years before they reach adult plumage. I'm not sure if the exact age of this individual can be determined.
The two species prefer different habitats with the Crowned Hawk-Eagle preferring moist woodland and the Martial Eagle preferring more arid savannah. We were fortunate to see both of these magnificent species in the same general area.
Martial Eagle has always been scarce partly because of its need for large territories. Unfortunately it has experienced major population declines in recent years largely because of persecution by humans who believe it is a threat to livestock. Because of these declines, its conservation status was upgraded to "Near Threatened."
It is the only member of the genus Polemaetus.
Nikon P510 Coolpix P&S