145. Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti)

Spanish Imperial Eagles are very similar to Eastern Imperial Eagles, being closely related, but with larger white shoulder patches and a white leading edge to their wing - kind of looks like they've been snowed on. This photo is of the juvenile plumage, the lighter parts of which are a richer more tawny colour than on the Eastern Imperial Eagle. Their preferred habitat is variable, but can include plains with scattered trees and small patches of woodland, also marshes, and higher mountain slopes where suitable lowland habitat is not available. Their range is very restricted - they are classed as Vulnerable by the IUCN as they only occur in parts of central and southeast Spain, and also a very small part of Portugal; their population seems to be increasing though which is good news!

Spanish Imperial Eagle, ©Vlaskop, via Flickr Creative Commons.

Spanish Imperial Eagle painting.

Hmmm, not too shabby, maybe I am getting better at birds in flight (famous last words....). I was away over the weekend so didn't get any paintings done - we were at House Christmas, where our group of friends (we all used to live together in the same house, hence the name) have our own Christmas day, before actual Christmas. We don't even all live in the same city any more but it's always a highlight of our year, good times!

Yay!