4 Majestic Types of Eagles in Africa

Eagles are some of the world’s most incredible birds of prey. They are large, powerful, and adept at hunting.

Eagles can be found on every continent except Antarctica and come in various shapes and sizes.

There are over 60 types of eagles in Africa, which can be divided into four families.

Our blog post lists the most common types of eagles in Africa. Read on to learn about the most majestic kinds of eagles in Africa!

Eagle Species in Africa

The African continent is home to various eagle species from the four different eagle families. Fish-type eagles can be found in almost every aquatic environment on the continent, and they are identifiable by their large size and distinctive call. They usually feed on fish but are also known to hunt small mammals and birds.

Meanwhile, booted eagles can be found in open grasslands and savannas in Africa. They have long legs and short wings and are adept hunters. These birds of prey can dive to great depths to make catches, and their sharp, hooked beaks help them tear apart their prey.

Steppe types of eagles in Africa are found in grasslands, deserts, and other arid regions. They have long wings and slim bodies and feed primarily on small mammals and birds. In addition, they have been known to raid chicken coops and other areas in search of food.

Finally, there are sea types of eagles in Africa. These birds are found near large bodies of water and coastal regions. They usually feed on fish but are also known to hunt other waterfowl. Sea eagles have powerful talons and sharp eyesight, allowing them to make very successful catches.

Types of Eagles in Africa 

1. The Goliath Eagle

The Goliath eagle is one of the most majestic types of eagle in Africa. This species of eagle is found mainly in the savannas and grasslands of Sub-Saharan Africa, and it is one of the largest birds in the world. With a wingspan of almost 10 feet, it is a sight to behold!

The Goliath eagle is distinctive in appearance due to its large size and white head and neck. Its wings are black, and its feathers are dark brown, making it easy to spot from a distance. This eagle is a voracious hunter capable of taking down prey as large as antelopes and even smaller predators like jackals.

The Goliath eagle is renowned for its hunting skills and is one of the most successful predators on the African continent. It is incredibly agile on the wing, and its powerful nails make it a formidable foe. 

2. The Tawny Eagle

The Tawny Eagle is also on our list of Types of eagles in Africa. This species is found mainly in the savannas, deserts, and grasslands of Sub-Saharan Africa. It can weigh up to 8 pounds and has a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet. 

The Tawny eagle is recognizable by its tawny coloration, which gives it its name. It has a large, powerful beak and strong talons that it uses to capture and kill its prey, which includes small mammals and birds, reptiles, and large insects.

This eagle uses a combination of soaring, hovering, and diving to take down its prey. It also has excellent spotting skills to help it locate potential meals. The Tawny eagle is also incredibly territorial and will aggressively defend its nesting grounds and young from predators.

3. The Verreaux’s Eagle

Verreaux’s eagles are found mainly in the mountains and grasslands of Southern Africa. They can have a wingspan of up to 8 feet and are easily recognizable by their white head and dark brown bodies.

This eagle species feeds mainly on birds and small animals, although it has also been known to take down young antelopes. It is incredibly powerful, with a striking speed of around 128 miles per hour and large and powerful talons.

In addition to its strength, the Verreaux’s eagle also has excellent eyesight. Its eyes are 8X stronger than a human’s, allowing it to spot potential prey from up to 2 miles away. This species of eagle is also incredibly agile and can adjust its wings to make quick changes in direction while hunting.

4. The Martial Eagle

Lastly, the martial eagle is one of the largest eagle species on the African continent. This species is found mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa and has a wingspan of up to almost 8 feet. It is easily recognizable by its white head and black body.

The Martial eagle is a powerful hunter that mainly feeds on small mammals and birds. It has incredible eyesight, with a maximum magnification of 8X that of a human. This eagle can spot potential prey up to 1.5 miles away and can adjust its wings to make quick dives and turns while hunting.

In addition to its strength and sharp eyesight, the martial eagle is incredibly fast. It can reach speeds of up to 94 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest eagles in the world. This species of eagle is also exceptionally territorial, and it will vigorously defend its nesting grounds from intruders.