On the taxonomic status of the Indian Spotted EagleAquila hastata

Abstract

We review the status of the two currently recognized subspecies of Lesser Spotted EagleAquila p. pomarina(western Eurasia) andA. p. hastata(Indian subcontinent) on the basis of museum diagnosis and field observations. We present differences between these two allopatric taxa which demonstrate that they should be treated as distinct species. Specifically, we present evidence of differences in plumage (both for adults and juveniles), external morphology, osteology, clutch size and behaviour. Particular emphasis is placed on differences in gape size and general cranial structure.