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Booted Eagle (Spain)

The booted eagle (*Hieraaetus pennatus*) is a medium-sized bird of prey found across parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It gets its name from the distinctive feathering on its legs, which gives the appearance of wearing "boots." This agile raptor is known for its soaring flight and can often be seen gliding gracefully in open woodlands and mountainous regions. The booted eagle displays two main color morphs—pale and dark—which help it blend into a variety of environments. It primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, hunting with sharp vision and swift dives. Despite its relatively small size compared to other eagles, the booted eagle is a powerful and efficient hunter. It breeds in the northern parts of its range and migrates to Africa or southern Asia during the winter, making it one of the many raptors that undertake long seasonal journeys.

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Uploaded on April 21, 2025
Taken on April 20, 2025