Indian Spotted Eagle vs Lesser Spotted Eagle

Indian Spotted Eagle

Clanga hastata

Large1.4 kgWoodland

The Indian spotted eagle is about 60 cm in length and has a wingspan of 150 cm. It is broad-headed, with the widest mouth of all spotted eagles. This species is a lighter overall compared to its relatives, with a darker iris that makes the eyes appear darker than the plumage (rather than the other way around as in the two northern spotted eagle species). Adults can be told apart from the greater spotted eagle by its lighter colour, darker eyes, and habitat preference.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Afsar Nayakkan · CC BY 4.0

Lesser Spotted Eagle

Clanga pomarina

Large1.4 kgForest

This is a medium-sized eagle, about 60 cm (24 in) in length and with a wingspan of 150 cm (59 in). Its head and wing coverts are pale brown and contrast with the generally dark plumage. The head and bill are small for an eagle. Usually, a white patch occurs on the upper wings, and even adults retain a clearly marked white "V" on the rump; the wing markings are absent and the white "V" is not well-defined in the greater spotted eagle. The juvenile has less contrast in the wings, but the remiges bear prominent white spots.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: (c) i_c_riddell, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by i_c_riddell · cc-by

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Indian Spotted Eagle and Lesser Spotted Eagle.