The lesser spotted eagle is a large Eastern European bird of prey. Like all typical eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. The typical eagles are often united with the buteos, sea eagles, and other more heavy-set Accipitridae, but more recently it appears as if they are less distinct from the more slender accipitrine hawks than believed.
Region
Eastern and Central Europe (breeding); sub‑Saharan Africa (wintering)
Typical Environment
Breeds from Germany and Poland east through the Baltic states, Belarus, and Ukraine to western Russia and the Caucasus, favoring mixed or deciduous forests adjacent to open meadows and pasture. It requires tall trees for nesting and nearby open ground or wetlands for hunting. During migration it funnels along well-known flyways through the Balkans, the Bosporus, and the Middle East. In winter it uses savanna, floodplains, and agricultural lands in East and southern Africa. It generally avoids dense unbroken forest and high alpine zones.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The lesser spotted eagle is a medium-large Eastern and Central European raptor that breeds in forest–farmland mosaics and winters in sub‑Saharan Africa. It often lays two eggs but usually only one chick fledges due to brood reduction (cainism), especially in poor food years. Hybridization with the greater spotted eagle occurs in parts of northeastern Europe. Populations are declining locally due to habitat loss, drainage of wetlands, and powerline electrocution, though the species remains globally not at high risk.
Adult in flight; white wing spots are lost while mature; only white V on rump remains
A drawing of a lesser spotted eagle
Adult in Belarus
A two-egg clutch in nest
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with slow, deliberate wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeding pairs occupy large territories and build substantial stick nests high in mature trees, often reusing and refurbishing the same site. Clutch size is typically 1–2 eggs; sibling rivalry frequently results in only one fledgling. Adults hunt from perches or by low soaring over open ground. Outside the breeding season they may travel and roost in loose groups along migration routes.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocal near the nest with repeated yelping and mewing whistles, often rendered as a sharp yip-yip or a plaintive klee-eh. Calls carry through forest edges and are most frequent during courtship and territorial displays.
Plumage
Overall medium-brown with paler mottling on the upperwing coverts creating a ‘spotted’ look, and a distinct pale nape patch. Flight feathers are darker than the coverts, giving contrast in the wing; tail is rounded with faint barring. Juveniles show warmer rufous tones and more distinct pale spotting.
Diet
Predominantly small mammals such as voles and mice, along with frogs, lizards, snakes, and small birds. Large insects, especially grasshoppers and beetles, can be important in summer. It occasionally scavenges or pirates prey from other raptors. Hunting is by perch-and-wait or slow quartering flight, dropping to seize prey on the ground.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along field margins, wet meadows, marsh edges, and recently mown or ploughed fields near forest cover. Often uses prominent perches such as trees, poles, or fence posts overlooking open habitat.
