Least Concern Birds

African Hawk Eagle

Aquila spilogaster

African Hawk Eagle, powerful raptor in savannas hunting birds and mammals.

Scientific name	Aquila spilogaster
Swahili name	Mwewe-mweupe
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Falconiformes
Family	Accipitridae
Size	Male: approximately 1.2-1.5 kg; Female: approximately 1.5-2.0 kg

See this species in the app

How to identify

Medium to large body size; dark brown back with distinct white spots on the chest; broad wings with fingered wingtips during flight; tail with distinct black and white alternating stripes; large head with a strong beak

Habitat

Sparse woodland savanna, open woodlands, shrubs, and near river valleys

Diet

Carnivorous, mainly preying on small to medium-sized birds, mammals, and reptiles

When it is active

Diurnal, mainly active during the day, especially more active at dawn and dusk

Where it lives

Distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, etc.; commonly seen in Maasai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Observe in open woodlands or sparse savanna during early morning and late afternoon, paying attention to flight patterns and unique spotted plumage

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture details in flight, choose well-lit times, and use background contrast to highlight feather patterns

Threats

Habitat destruction, pesticide pollution, illegal hunting

Similar species

Similar to the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), but the African eagle is smaller with more distinct chest spots; differs from the African Fish Eagle by lacking the prominent white head and tail

📖 how to spot the african hawk eagle on safari