Parques de Sintra

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Bonelli's Eagle

(Aquila fasciata)

General characteristics
A very large bird, with a broad wingspan and robust in appearance.
Seen from below, adult birds display a whitish body section, dark wings with lighter upper borders and with a black strip in the middle of the wings stretching out to the tips. There is a dark dorsal with the possible existence of a white mantle.
Length = 55-65 centimetres. Wingspan =145-165 centimetres.

Diet
Small sized mammals and birds such as partridges, pigeons and turtle doves. May also hunt reptiles.

Habitat
Lives in medium or low mountain levels combined with agricultural fields and needs a very extensive and peaceful hunting grounds and preferably hunting in lightly forested areas.

Reproduction
Between January and June. This is a monogamous species and highly territorial, nesting in rocky outcrops or in trees and producing one or two offspring that are cared for by both progenitors.

State of conservation
Global –  Of low concern;
National – In danger;
Sintra – rare; only one couple.

Threats
Human disturbances: illicit hunting, interference with nesting sites, pilfering of offspring and eggs. Habitat destruction with the consequent shortage in hunting grounds and nesting sites.

Protection measures
Controls on building in hunting and nesting sites.
Monitoring within the scope of Sintra hill forestry management.

NATURAL VALUES
The Sintra hills hosts a favourable ecosystem consisting of highly important natural values for conservation. Bonelli’s eagle represents one such value and portrayed on the Totem in the Farmyard of Monserrate.