Imperial eagle  (Aquila heliaca)

The imperial eagle is found from southern Europe to southern Russia, as well as northwest India and central Siberia. In winter it migrates to the Middle East, east Africa as far south as Tanzania, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian subcontinent and south and east Asia (2).

Originally a lowland species, the imperial eagle has been pushed to higher elevations by habitat loss and hunting. In central and eastern Europe it is found in forests up to 1,000 metres, as well as steppe and agricultural areas with large trees. In the Caucasus, it is still found in lowland and riverine forests and semi-deserts. It winters in wetlands (4).