Breeding biology of Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata) in Cyprus

摘要: The Bonelli’s Eagle exhibits a wide geographic distribution yet remains relatively understudied on the island of Cyprus. Between 1999 and 2002, we examined 32 pairs of Bonelli’s Eagles, totaling 64 breeding attempts. During this period, a total of 116 eggs were laid, with an average clutch size of 2.0±0.1 eggs per pair. Incubation, predominantly performed by the female, lasted an average of 38.7±0.2 days. Of the eggs laid, 71 hatched, resulting in an average hatching rate of 82.6%. Hatchability varied, with the highest rate (91.3%) observed in 1999 and the lowest (76.2%) in 2001. Nestlings spent an average of 61±0.5 days in the nest before fledging. Remarkably, 92.6% of pairs successfully fledged young (n= 60), with a mean breeding success of 1.6±0.1 fledglings per pair. Significant differences were observed in the average number of eggs laid, hatched, and young fledged between the two types of habitats. Nest …