The Lesser Spotted Eagle is, besides the White-tailed Eagle and Osprey, the third native eagle species in northern Germany. It is slightly bigger than a buzzard and mainly brown colored at first glance. However, anyone who fortunate to observe a spotted eagle, quickly realizes that it also has light brown and white patches. With its yellow legs, gray, brown and yellow colored beak and yellow-orange eyes a spotted eagle appears almost colorful.
The broad construction of their wings enables LSEs to exploit the lightest upward rising air currents, called thermals, for effortless gliding. But this form also makes spotted eagle prone to stronger winds, such as those that prevail over the sea. For this reason, spotted eagle must fly around the Mediterranean on their migration.
Weight:
about 1500-2500 g
Wingspan:
145-168 cm
Body length:
55-65 cm
Age:
max. established 26 years
Migration route / year:
18,000-22,000 km
Migration speed:
40-60 km / h
∅ 150 km / day
Max migration route / day: > 500 km