Clanga clanga
Identity and identification
The Greater Spotted Eagle belongs to Accipitridae and appears in older sources as Aquila clanga. Usually dark and broad-winged, juveniles show conspicuous pale spots on the wing coverts. Separation from Lesser Spotted Eagle requires several features, rather than spotting alone.
Habitat and food
It uses wetlands and meadows near woodland, hunting small mammals, birds and other prey according to habitat. Its movements connect northern breeding areas with southern wintering grounds, making Arab wetlands part of that journey.
Breeding and development
Estonia’s Environmental Board conservation plan, approved in 2024, reports usually two eggs and incubation lasting 42–44 days. Young normally become capable of flight at 60–65 days, with parental care continuing after departure before independence. These developmental intervals do not transfer Estonian nesting dates to Arab wintering countries.
Arab occurrence and seasonality
Lebanon’s 2026 guide describes irregular, scarce passage, while Qatar’s list gives scarce winter presence. Oman’s official 2026 list describes abundant passage and winter visits. These differences highlight the Gulf and Oman in winter without demonstrating local breeding.
Observation and conservation
The Greater Spotted Eagle is globally classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. In parts of its European breeding range, hybridisation with Lesser Spotted Eagle is an additional threat. Observe eagles without disturbing resting sites or publishing sensitive coordinates. Reducing electrocution and poisoning and protecting wetlands are important conservation measures.
References
AviList Core Team — Global Avian Checklist v2026, 20 October 2026؛ UNDP / ABCL / Ministry of Environment — Birds of Lebanon: A Photographic Guide to 409 Species, 18 June 2026؛ Qatar Bird Observation Group — Qatar Bird List, consulted 6 November 2026؛ Oman Bird Records Committee — Oman Bird List v8.0, 1 January 2026؛ Estonian Environmental Board — Greater Spotted Eagle conservation action plan, approved 4 April 2024, section 1.1.3
Species illustration: Russ Namitz — CC0 1.0.