Águililla calzada. It is the smallest of the eagles of the Iberian Peninsula, presenting a size similar to that of a Buzzard .
Summary
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- 1 Features
- 1 Habitat
- 2 Voice
- 2 Geographic Distribution
- 3 Movements
- 4 Playback
- 5 Interactions between species
- 6 Behavior
- 7 Source
features
It has feathered tarsi up to the fingers. It presents two phases of coloration independent of sex and age of the individuals. The clear phase roadways are almost entirely white underneath, except for some brown or black streaks or tears in the neck and chest area.
The remiges or rowing feathers are black and the tail has light ocher tones. Head and neck brown or okra in color. It has a characteristic white spot above the bill. Fawn back. The scapular feathers are okra in color and draw two Vs on the back. Yellow or orange eyes.
Wax and yellow fingers. The dark phase individuals have a blackish brown underneath. The back the same as the clear phase. The immature ones have a reddish head and underparts.
Habitat
It is a species very adaptable to environmental conditions. It chooses to locate its nests those territories that present a mosaic structure, that is, wooded areas where to build its nests alternated with low bushes, open areas, rocky outcrops and urban settlements that serve as hunting grounds. It is possible to find pairs in coastal pine forests up to 1,700 meters of altitude.
Voice
It is characterized by being a very singing species. It is heard more frequently in the months of March and April, coinciding with the nuptial and territorial season. One of the most frequent songs would be that of the male calling the female near the nest. It is also easy to hear the call chant between the members of the couple.
Geographical distribution
Summer species. It is distributed throughout the peninsula except for the coastal provinces of Galicia , a large part of Catalonia and the Canary Islands . Present in the Balearic Islands in Mallorca and Menorca . It has higher densities in the center-west of our country.
Movements
Trans-Saharan migratory species in most of the peninsula. It reaches our latitudes in mid or late March. The post-nuptial passage through the Strait of Gibraltar occurs from the end of August to the beginning of October , with the bulk of the troops in September .
Reproduction
It is a territorial species although the size of its territories is small and allows the passage of other congeners through them. The first spawns take place between the end of April until the end of May . The nest, placed mainly in the fork of the tree or attached to the trunk, is built or arranged that of the previous season. It is upholstered with green branches of pine needles , chestnut , oak , etc.
The laying consists mainly of 2 eggs. There is a synchrony in the laying of 2-3 days. The female incubates the eggs for about 38 days, sometimes it is replaced by the male while she eats the prey brought by him. During the first three weeks, cases of cainism appear, either due to the death of the small chicken due to the aggressions of the older or due to the death of the small one from starvation. The period of stay in the nest of the chickens is around 45-48 days, at which point they begin to beat around the bush.
Interactions between species
It is a very sociable species with its congeners, nuptial and territorial flights being very frequent, with members of neighboring couples participating. Regarding the relationship of the road with other species of birds of prey, it would be necessary to differentiate between those birds of prey that maintain a good relationship with the European Short-toed Causeway , Black and Royal Kite and those with which it competes for either the Busardo Ratonero nests. , and Common Goshawk .
The only predator of adult roadway individuals is the Eagle Owl . Chickens can be preyed upon by the common goshawk during their nesting stay.
Behavior
It is a fairly sociable species with its congeners, getting to participate among members of different couples in territorial and nuptial flights. The territorial flights of the causeways are very spectacular, especially the behavior of the male chirping, making undulating flights around the perimeter of its nesting area and diving.
The nuptial flights are of great beauty with synchronized flights, union of claws dropping, songs, etc. Couples appear to be loyal to their territory. The presence of trios has been detected in the Community of Madrid . During migration, adults travel alone making more stops than young people. There are concentrations of roads in the Strait of Gibraltar as they wait for the ideal moment to cross that pass.
