Bonelli's Eagle
Aquila fasciata
A medium-sized eagle with an athletic build, featuring streaked whitish underparts against dark wings and tail. Juveniles display rufous undersides and lack the adult''s wide dark tail band. Typically inhabits forests, mountains, or occasionally more open environments in winter, often in secluded areas. Nests are constructed on cliffs, ledges, or within caves. Recognizable in flight by bulging secondaries and the slim wing-body junction. Frequently observed soaring over far-off ridgelines, displaying distinctive shallow wing "fingers" in contrast to other eagles' deeper fingers.
I've only photographed Bonelli's Eagle once on my 2023 Spain Trip. The male (seen with pale yellow eyes) was first to arrived and only really inspected the rabbit that was provided for them. He nibbled a little bit, breaking the rabbit open. He got distracted by a wasp that was buzzing around making for some amusing looks.
The female arrived shortly after, she has dark brown eyes. She stayed a while longer, and was charismatic with a quizzical expression engrained on her face. She made short work of the rabbit, and was not distracted by the wasps.
