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Key information: This large eagle is usually seen flying solo, although pairs can also be seen flying in circles high in the sky. When in flight, its body looks completely white, with grey wings and dark carpal patches and a broad black band at the tip of the tail. It has long and broad wings, a large and powerful body and a large bill. Juvenile birds have a rufous underbody and underwings. As in many birds of prey, the female is larger than the male. It is the only eagle species that breeds in Cyprus.

Length: 55 – 65 cm | Wingspan: 145 – 165 cm

Habitat: Farmland, mountains and forests, scrub and bushes

When they can be seen: All year round

What they eat: Small birds and mammals

In Cyprus: Can be seen at Paphos Forest, Pentadaktylos Mountains, Akamas Peninsula and Diarizos Valley

Status: Resident breeder

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis