Satellite Tracking of Adult and Immature Eastern Imperial Eagles

Abstract

Four adult males, two adult females and two immature Imperial Eagles were trapped near Taif in Saudi Arabia close to the Red Sea while wintering. Three of theses eagles were trapped up to three times. This species, like some other raptors, has a strong tendency to destroy the harness and remove transmitters. Teflon as harness material is unsuitable for them. This was confirmed by retrapped birds. The distances between the summer home ranges and the wintering areas ranged between 3,900 and 5,000 km. Our satellitetracking has revealed winter site faithfulness across years.

Keywords

• birds of prey
• imperial eagle
• aquila heliaca
• migration