Eagle (Kerala-India) (1 Viewer)

I request that identity of the bird in pictures may kindly be informed. Details- This bird has been photographed (by my daughter Janhavi) in the Eravikulam National Park in Kerala in India during first week of October this year. It was at a height of 2500 mtrs. The area forms part of the Western Ghat ecology. [I may inform here that subsequently after 3 weeks, almost around the same area I had photographed a raptor which has been identified by Bird Forum as a Bonelli's Eagle.]

My views on this specimen are:-
Though I have a lingering thought that this specimen also is a Bonelli'e Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus) yet it does not have in flight the unique combination of white underbody, possibly also the three toned underwings appear to be absent and does not have whitish patch on the upper back (which is considered a good field mark for Bonelli's). However it appears to possess a dark terminal band (perhaps not exactly as prominent as in a Bonelli's).

My second consideration is that it could be a BLack Eagle (Ictinaetus malayensis). The wings are broadest on the inner primaries becoming pinched near the body. Long squarish tail which shows thin pale barring. It is a very dark eagle.

Both of the above have been reported in the range where photographed. I am not adventuring to guess about other species. The photographs are not very good becoz it was far and the pictures required quite a bit of post editing.

Thanks. Surjit

Athough i've never seen a juvenile or subadult Black Eagle (only adults) the shape of wings (not as curved as in adult bu still) and very long tail suggests Black Eagle.

Faint barring on the tail and remiges, white patch at base of outer primaries and yellow feet should suggest a adult (or almost ad) bird. I'v only seen a few adult birds. The wing shape really striking but not so clear in these pictures thogh.

Black Eagle

Thank you Manne and Tombac. Surjit