The martial eagle is a large eagle native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is the only member of the genus Polemaetus. A species of the booted eagle subfamily (Aquilinae), it has feathers over its tarsus. One of the largest and most powerful species of booted eagle, it is a fairly opportunistic predator that varies its prey selection between mammals, birds and reptiles. It is one of few eagle species known to hunt primarily from a high soar, by stooping on its quarry. This species, an inhabitant of wooded belts of otherwise open savanna, has shown a precipitous decline in the last few centuries due to a variety of factors. The martial eagle is one of the most persecuted bird species in the world. Due to its habit of taking livestock and regionally valuable game, local farmers and game wardens frequently seek to eliminate martial eagles, although the effect of eagles on this prey is almost certainly considerably exaggerated. Currently, the martial eagle is classified with the status of Endangered by the IUCN.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Found across open savannas, wooded savanna belts, thornbush, and semi-arid scrub, often where large trees provide nesting and vantage perches. It avoids dense closed-canopy forests and true deserts but ranges over extensive open country. The species persists best in large protected or lightly settled landscapes with intact prey communities. It occasionally uses cliffs for nesting where trees are scarce and will soar over plains and agricultural mosaics.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The martial eagle is sub-Saharan Africa’s largest resident eagle and the sole member of its genus. It hunts primarily by soaring at great height and stooping onto prey, taking mammals, birds, and reptiles, including sizeable species like monitor lizards and guineafowl. It requires vast territories and nests in large trees, which makes it vulnerable to habitat loss and persecution. The species is globally listed as Endangered due to rapid declines from poisoning, shooting, collision with infrastructure, and reduced prey.
The martial eagle is one of the most highly aerial members of its subfamily.
Close-up of the head
Martial Eagle near Okaukuejo in Etosha National Park.
A typically pale immature martial eagle in Kruger National Park.
A perched adult martial eagle.
Even immature martial eagles have formidable talons and feet.
Martial eagles tend to be attracted to thorny or tall trees in otherwise fairly open savanna.
Immature bird
Adult martial eagle with prey.
An adult martial eagle clutching live prey, a small bustard
Cape hare are the main prey for martial eagles in the Cape Province of South Africa.
Kirk's dik-dik are one of the two main prey species for martial eagles in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya.
Helmeted guineafowl are among the most favored prey species for martial eagles, known to be taken in considerable numbers everywhere from West Africa to South Africa.
Martial eagle eating a kill.
Large monitors, such as this prey, a rock monitor, can be important prey for adult female martial eagles.
Adult in Masai Mara, Kenya.
Soaring with an African harrier-hawk (Polyboroides typus)
Young bird in Masai Mara, Kenya
A Martial eagle on its nest in Tanzania.
Juveniles such as this one from Kruger National Park do not attain maturity until they are least six years of age.
Large specimen, probably female, showing slight crest and protruding crop, southern Kruger National Park, South Africa
1838 illustration of a martial eagle by Sir Andrew Smith
Adult taking off from perch
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Typically monogamous and territorial, occupying very large home ranges. Nests are massive stick platforms placed high in large trees or occasionally on cliffs, often reused and refurbished. Clutches are small (often a single egg), and pairs may not breed every year, reflecting slow life history.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet away from the nest. Around territories it gives high, whistled calls and yelps, especially during display flights. Vocalizations increase during courtship and nest defense.
