Bonelli's eagle \ Aquila fasciata

Among the cliffs and rugged escarpments of the UAE’s mountains, the Bonelli’s Eagle reigns as one of the region’s most formidable raptors. Sleek, muscular, and remarkably agile, it combines the speed of a falcon with the strength of a true eagle. Adults measure 55–65 cm in length, with a wingspan of 145–165 cm, and weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 kg, females being slightly larger than males. In flight, the long, broad wings and white underparts with dark streaks create a distinctive pattern, while the grey-banded tail helps in sharp turns during pursuit.

In the Emirates, Bonelli’s Eagles are found mainly in Jebel Hafeet, Jebel Jais, and the Hajar Mountain range, occasionally ranging across foothills and gravel plains in search of prey. Their diet is diverse, consisting mainly of pigeons, partridges, hares, and large lizards. They hunt with extraordinary precision, often stooping from height or ambushing prey along ridgelines.

A resident breeder in the UAE and Oman, this eagle constructs large stick nests on cliff ledges, sometimes reusing them for years. Breeding takes place during the cooler months, when prey is more active and thermals support their aerial hunting style.

Once widespread across the Arabian Peninsula, Bonelli’s Eagles have declined due to habitat disturbance and human activity near nesting sites. Conservation monitoring led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and other regional programs continues to track populations to ensure their protection.

To see one soaring above a desert mountain ridge — wings spread wide against the wind — is to witness a rare symbol of endurance and wilderness that still defines the UAE’s highlands.