Gujarat, located in western India, is home to a diverse array of wildlife. This includes several species of eagles that can be found soaring over the state’s grasslands, forests, wetlands, and coastlines. In this article, we will explore the different types of eagles that inhabit Gujarat, their population status, the threats they face, and the best places to spot them.
Eagle Species in Gujarat
There are five main species of eagles that can be found in Gujarat:
- Bonelli’s Eagle
- Booted Eagle
- Eastern Imperial Eagle
- Greater Spotted Eagle
- Steppe Eagle
Of these, the Bonelli’s Eagle and Eastern Imperial Eagle are resident breeders, meaning they nest and raise chicks in Gujarat. The other three species are migratory, traveling from Central Asia to spend the winter in India before returning north to breed in summer.
Bonelli’s Eagle
The Bonelli’s Eagle is a medium-sized raptor named after Italian ornithologist Franco Andrea Bonelli. Adults have dark upperparts and white undersides with faint barring. They prefer rugged, mountainous habitats and nest on cliffs and tall trees. There are estimated to be 100-500 breeding pairs in Gujarat.
Booted Eagle
The Booted Eagle is a small-to-medium sized raptor with pale underparts and dark wingtips. As the name suggests, adults have distinctive feathering on their legs that resembles boots. It is found in open wooded areas across much of the state during winter. However, their numbers have declined in recent decades.
Eastern Imperial Eagle
One of India’s largest eagles, the Eastern Imperial Eagle is a threatened resident breeder in Gujarat. Adults are unmistakable with their brownish-black plumage and bright white shoulders and underparts. They build huge nests in tall trees, mainly in central and eastern Gujarat. About 100-200 breeding pairs remain.
Greater Spotted Eagle
Around 1000 Greater Spotted Eagles winter in Gujarat annually after migrating from their breeding grounds further north. Adults are brown with white spots on the wings and tail. They can often be seen soaring over wetlands while hunting for fish, waterbirds, and small mammals.
Steppe Eagle
The Steppe Eagle is the most common migratory eagle seen in Gujarat during winter. Adults are pale brown with darker wingtips and tail. They gather in huge numbers to roost communally at sites like the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary. Population estimates are around 5000 wintering individuals.
Eagle Population Trends and Threats
While some eagle species like the Greater Spotted Eagle and Steppe Eagle are still found in good numbers during winter, others have experienced significant declines in Gujarat. The Eastern Imperial Eagle and Bonelli’s Eagle are now classified as threatened in the state. Here are some of the major threats facing eagles:
- Habitat degradation – Logging, development, and agriculture have reduced suitable habitat.
- Disturbance at nesting sites – Construction, tourism, and human activity can displace breeding pairs.
- Poisoning – Eagles are unintentionally poisoned after eating contaminated carcasses.
- Electrocution – Eagles are electrocuted on unsafe power lines.
- Lack of prey – Declining small mammal and reptile populations impact eagles.
Targeted conservation programs are needed to protect critical eagle habitats and encourage sustainable development that provides space for both wildlife and people.
Best Places to See Eagles in Gujarat
Here are some of the top sites in Gujarat to spot magnificent eagles in flight or at rest:
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
This wetland near Jamnagar hosts up to 5000 Steppe Eagles every winter along with Imperial Eagles, marsh harriers, and other raptors. Early morning is the best time for observation.
Gir National Park
The last refuge of Asiatic lions also harbors good populations of Bonelli’s Eagles and wintering Greater Spotted Eagles among its teak forests and grasslands.
Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Nesting Bonelli’s Eagles and wintering imperial eagles frequent this scenic sanctuary located in the Narmada valley.
Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary
The varied habitat of wetlands, grasslands, and wooded hills here attracts up to 13 eagle species including the Eastern Imperial Eagle.
Thol Bird Sanctuary
This wetland near Ahmedabad hosts wintering eagles like the Greater Spotted Eagle along with other raptors and waterbirds.
Conclusion
In summary, there are five main species of eagles found in Gujarat. While some are resident breeders like the Bonelli’s Eagle and Eastern Imperial Eagle, most are migratory visitors that spend the winter months in the state before returning north to breed. Eagles face threats from habitat loss, poisoning, electrocution, and lack of prey. Targeted conservation efforts on protecting habitats and reducing threats are needed to safeguard eagle populations. Prime sites like Khijadiya, Gir, Shoolpaneshwar and others showcase these magnificent raptors in flight during the right season.