Short-toed Eagle
Circaetus gallicus (Gmelin)

Identification: It resembles an owl because of its exceptionally large, grayish head. Its length varies from 63 to 68 cm. The upper side of the plumage is grayish brown. The upper half of the lower side, that is chin, throat, and upper breast, is pale, earthy brown, whereas the rest of the body is white, with two or three dark cross-bars. The tail bears 3 to 4 dark bars, the sub-terminal one being the broadest. The legs are unfeathered. The skin of the cere, legs and feet is grayish blue. The eyes are large and are brilliant yellow in colour.

Habitat: It is found in open cultivated plains, stony deciduous scrubs and foothills and semi-desert areas throughout the country.

Distribution: It is a resident bird or an irregular year-round visitor to Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan.

Breeding: It breeds between December and March and lays only one egg in a clutch.

Food: It feeds on snakes (poisonous and non-poisonous), Lizards (Varanus spp.), some species of frogs, mammals (rabbits, hares, and rats), sick and disabled birds and large insects.

Status: Frequent