Polemaetus bellicosus
Martial Eagle
Africa's largest eagle, a powerful raptor of open savanna and woodland with dark brown upperparts, a white, dark-spotted belly, and a large hooked bill. Its range extends from Senegal and The Gambia east across sub-Saharan Africa, though it is generally scarce and occurs at low density even within its range.
Identification
Very large size, heavily feathered legs, and a relatively small head compared to its bulky body; the underside spotting pattern helps separate it from other big eagles in the region.
Want to see the Martial Eagle?
Join Yaya on a trip to one of the sites below, or ask about an itinerary built around it — he'll help you plan the best way to find it in the field.
Where to find it
Lower River Region
Kiang West is The Gambia's largest national park, spanning savanna woodland, tidal mudflats and mangrove creeks along the south bank of the Gambia River. It's renowned among birders for exceptional raptor diversity and is a stronghold for species rarely seen elsewhere in the country.