The Greater Spotted Eagle it is a migratory species, which nests in the Eurasian boreal belt between central-eastern Europe and the coasts of Manchuria. The wintering area ofGreater spotted eagle it extends into North and East Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Of marginal importance are the wintering areas of southern Europe (Iberian Peninsula, France, Italy, Greece and the Balkans), which more or less regularly host a modest number of individuals. The post-breeding migration to the wintering areas of theGreater spotted eagle it takes place between October and November, while the pre-breeding towards the nesting quarters takes place between March and April.

In Italy the great spotted eagle it is a regular migrant and winter visitor. In our country it is more often present with young or immature individuals from October to December in much of the northern coast of the upper Adriatic and in the Po Valley.

The Greater Spotted Eagle it frequents the plains and hills rich in humid woods, not excessively dense and often close to large lakes and rivers. Even in the wintering areas it remains linked to wetlands (lakes, large rivers, lagoons).

THEGreater spotted eagle sfeeds on water birds (coots and ducks), small and medium sized rodents, reptiles, amphibians and insects; occasionally it also feeds on carrion.

The Greater Spotted Eagle it leads a solitary or gregarious life in different periods of the year and during the autumn migration it gathers in groups of a few individuals, sometimes with other species of the genus Aquila. The Greater Spotted Eagle it is monogamous and maintains the pair bond throughout the breeding season. It has a flight similar to that of the Golden Eagle, with wing beats usually shallow and fast. Hunting both in flight and from stalking.

Reproductive period ofGreater spotted eagle: lays eggs between April and May; one brood a year. Nest: of sticks crudely arranged and carpeted with coniferous grasses and leaves on trees 8-12 meters high. Eggs: usually 1-2. Hatching: about 6 weeks. The incubation is carried out by the female. Parental care: the chicks are nests and take flight after 6-7 weeks.

The species ofgreat spotted eagle in Europe it is considered endangered and endangered. The main causes at the origin of the decline of the populations of this raptor are the environmental modifications due to the reclamation in the reproduction areas and the anthropic disturbance during the nesting.

Bonn Convention:

- annex THE threatened species;
- Annex II especially in respect of which international agreements are required for its conservation and management. Berne Convention, annex II: strictly protected species.

Birds Directive 79/409 / EEC, annex THE: species for which special conservation measures are envisaged as regards the habitat. National law 11 February 1992, n. 157, art. 2: particularly protected species.