Martial Eagle
Polemaetus bellicosus
Silhouette: Sheatherius · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderAccipitriformes (Hawks, Eagles, Kites, and Allies)
- FamilyAccipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
- GenusPolemaetus (Martial Eagles)
- SpeciesPolemaetus bellicosus (Martial Eagle)
About the Martial Eagle
The martial eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) 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.
The martial eagle can be found in most of sub-Saharan Africa, wherever food is abundant and the environment favourable. With a total estimated distribution... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Martial Eagle in Niokolo-Koba National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Niokolo-Koba National Park
African Fish-Eagle
Haliaeetus vocifer
African Harrier-Hawk
Polyboroides typus
Palmnut Vulture
Gypohierax angolensis
Bateleur
Terathopius ecaudatus
Brown Snake Eagle
Circaetus cinereus
Wahlberg's Eagle
Hieraaetus wahlbergi
Lizard Buzzard
Kaupifalco monogrammicus
Banded Snake-Eagle
Circaetus cinerascens
African Hawk-Eagle
Aquila spilogaster
Black Kite
Milvus migrans
Pale Harrier
Circus macrourus
Griffon Vulture
Gyps fulvus
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Martial Eagle in Niokolo-Koba National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Martial Eagle sighting in Niokolo-Koba National Park, based on 7 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Martial Eagle in Niokolo-Koba National Park?
April has the highest sighting rate for Martial Eagle in Niokolo-Koba National Park in our monthly data.