Identification: The Booted Eagle is a small bird measuring about 45-54 cm. in length.It can be found in two phases. The light phase is characterized by a pale buff or rufous white or lighter brown body. The head, nape, sides and back of the neck are pale rufous, whereas the forehead and neck show buffy white coloration. There is a narrow black streak running between the eyes and the lores and a similar streak above and below the eyes. The undersides are buffy white with blackish streak particularly on the chin and the upper part. In the pale phase the eagle vaguely resembles an Egyptian Vulture while in flight.

In the dark phase the upper part of the body is brown with dark stripes and whitish upper tail coverts. The lower part of the body is either dark brown or pale rufous with blackish streaks on the breast. The tail is grayish brown above and pale below, banded and tipped black.

Habitat: It is found in well-wooded areas and semi-desert forests with Dalbergia(Shisham) plantation. They also live around human settlements and cultivations.

Distribution: It resides partially in Punjab, Balochistan and NWFP. It is a winter visitor to Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and NWFP.

Breeding: It breeds in altitudes varying from 1700 m to 3000 m, between March and June. 2 eggs is laid per clutch.

Food: It feeds mainly on reptiles, birds and small mammals.

Status: Frequent