Common name: Bonelli’s Eagle
Scientific name: Aquila fasciata
Family: Accipitridae

Size:
Body length: 55–65 cm
Wingspan: 145–165 cm

Identification:
A medium-large, powerful eagle with broad wings and a relatively long, square-ended tail. Adults have pale whitish underparts contrasting with dark wings, while the pale grey tail has a broad dark terminal band. The upperparts are dark, often with a characteristic whitish patch on the back. Juveniles are warmer in colour, with rufous-buff underparts.

Habitat:
Mountainous and rocky landscapes, steep cliffs, escarpments, wadis, and open country around mountain ranges. It typically nests on inaccessible cliff ledges and hunts over surrounding rocky slopes and foothills.

Status in the UAE:
Native resident and confirmed breeding species in the UAE. It is strongly associated with the Hajar Mountains and is one of the country's resident breeding raptors.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds mainly on medium-sized birds and mammals, with reptiles also taken.

Behavior:
A powerful and agile hunter capable of fast pursuit over rugged terrain. It frequently hunts from elevated positions or uses surprise attacks along cliffs and ridgelines, while also soaring over mountainous areas in search of prey.

Conservation Status:
Global: Least Concern (LC)
UAE National Red List: Critically Endangered (CR)