Bonelli's eagle: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Bonelli's eagle eggs hatch after 37–40 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 55–65 days and are weaned and independent at about 120 days. A typical clutch is 2 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 1500-2900 |
| Male weight (g) | 1500-2100 |
| Female weight (g) | 2000-2900 |
| Length (cm) | 55-72 |
| Wing chord (mm) | m 460-500, f 500-550 |
| Clutch size | 2 (1-3) |
| Incubation (days) | 37-40 |
| Fledging (days) | 55-65 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | ~120 |
| Lifespan (years) | 20-30 |
| Breeding season | Wild: lays Jan-March (Mediterranean/Middle East). Captive: Spain/France breed for reintroduction. |
| Sexing | Female larger; DNA. |
| Moult | Partial annual moult. |
| Quarry | Rabbits, partridge, pigeons. |
| Gulf heat tolerance | 4/5 - Mediterranean/Middle East resident. |
| Temperament | Fast, agile for an eagle, hawk-like. |
| Disease prevention | Prevention: lead, electrocution in wild; bumblefoot, aspergillosis. Vet for treatment. |
| Identification features | Medium eagle, white underparts with dark streaks, dark underwing band, pale back patch; long tail with dark terminal band; juvenile rufous-buff below. |
Origin: Southern Europe, North Africa and southern Asia — Scientific name: Aquila fasciata
Size: 55-72 cm, 1500-2900 g
Breeding and care tips
Medium, fast, hawk-like eagle that breeds in the Middle East. Rarely used in Arab falconry.
Description
Medium eagle with a white streaked breast and a white back patch.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Gyrfalcon
- Saker falcon
- Peregrine falcon
- Barbary falcon
- Lanner falcon
- Laggar lugger falcon
- Prairie falcon
- Aplomado falcon
Frequently asked questions
How long do Bonelli's eagle eggs take to hatch?
Bonelli's eagle eggs hatch after 37-40 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Bonelli's eagle lay?
Usually 2 (1-3) eggs per clutch.
When do Bonelli's eagle chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 55-65 days old.
When are Bonelli's eagle chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about ~120 days.
What is the Bonelli's eagle breeding season?
Wild: lays Jan-March (Mediterranean/Middle East). Captive: Spain/France breed for reintroduction.
How do you tell a male Bonelli's eagle from a female?
Female larger; DNA.
How long does a Bonelli's eagle live?
About 20-30 years with good care.