Habitat
Temperate forest, alluvial plains and dunes in marshes, hills and high mountain slopes where there is an absence of irrigated farmland. From sea-level - 1,300 m.
Morocco (E) (B) (NB), Portugal (B) (NB), Spain (B) (NB).
Vagrant to Algeria (E) (NB), France, Gibraltar.
C, western and southern Spain; formerly more widespread, occurring in Portugal and Morocco.
Population
Estimated population is 300 - 400 (2010) and increasing.
Status VU
Habitat fragmentation, poisoning, hunting, electrocution on power lines are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti) [XC586285]
by Roberto S\u00e1nchez Mateos from Montes de Toledo (near Los Y\u00e9benes), Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain (uncertain)
Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti) [XC586303]
by Roberto S\u00e1nchez Mateos from Montes de Toledo (near Los Y\u00e9benes), Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain (uncertain)
Subspecies
Often considered conspecific with Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), molecular data and substantial differences in morphology and ecology support full species status for present form. Forms superspecies with Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca).
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Adult Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) which lacks white "shoulders" and is less dark overall. Immature has large white wing flashes and white base to tail. Wings held in a flattened "V" shape.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet