Immature Black Eagle

When I first looked at this bird I thought it was a pale morph Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus,  a common raptor here in forests near Tawau. However, on detailed inspection, I noted a few features which indicated it to be a different raptor.

The adult of  Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis is unmistakable in flight, its yellow feet together with the equally yellow cere and gape is striking against the otherwise blackish bird. However, images of immature birds are not as commonly seen. The following two images of an immature Black Eagle were taken about one month apart, I suspected they were of the same bird.

I concluded this is an immature Black Eagle, may be a second year bird, based on the following, however, all other opinions are welcomed.

1. Yellow cere and gape.
2. Evident whitish patch at base to outer primaries.
3. Blacky streaked breast and underbody.
4. Darkly barred remages against paler wing-linings, and
5. The shape of the wings and the longish fingers.

Here is a closer image showing the yellow cere and gape.

Happy birding.

Photodocument of Wild Birds of Borneo

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