Clanga – Spotted eagles

A group of medium-sized raptors known for their dark, earthy plumage and quiet, watchful behavior. There are three living species: the lesser spotted eagle, greater spotted eagle, and Indian spotted eagle. These birds are tied closely to wetlands, forest edges, and open meadows, where they can perch in tall trees and scan open ground for prey. Compared to flashier or more heavily built eagles, spotted eagles have a more subtle presence — broad wings, a sturdy frame, and plumage in deep brown tones, sometimes with pale spotting, especially in young birds.

Spotted eagles spend much of their day perched quietly or soaring steadily over fields and marshes. Their diet reflects the habitats they favor, including small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, waterbirds, and large insects. They rely more on patience and ambush than high-speed pursuit, often dropping suddenly from a perch rather than chasing prey over long distances. Their nests are built in tall, mature trees close to wetlands or open hunting areas.

Two members of the genus — the lesser and greater spotted eagles — are migratory, breeding across Europe and western Asia and traveling to Africa or southern Asia for winter. They can be seen at famous migration bottlenecks where raptors funnel through narrow land corridors. The Indian spotted eagle, on the other hand, stays largely within the Indian subcontinent throughout the year. Because all three species depend on a mix of tall trees, wetlands, and open hunting grounds, they are sensitive to habitat loss, drainage of marshes, changing agricultural practices, and pesticide use.