Booted Eagle

A medium-sized buzzard-like raptor but still unmistakably eagle-shaped, with long fingered primary flight feathers, a long square-shaped tail, and feathered legs (boots) prominent when perched. Two color morphs: pale morphs are distinctively two-toned and contrasting, whereas dark birds can be confused with Black Kites and Marsh Harriers. Look for distinctive pale "landing lights" on the shoulders when viewed head-on. Found in forested country with open patches, often in hilly areas where it frequently soars with wings slightly pushed forward.

In Sri Lanka, the Booted Eagle can be found inhabiting forests, lightly wooded areas, and open country throughout the island; it is considered a rare winter migrant, mostly seen as a solitary bird in these habitats.

In Sri Lanka, the Booted Eagle primarily feeds on a diet consisting of small to medium-sized birds (like pigeons, jays), small mammals (rodents, rabbits), reptiles (lizards), and occasionally large insects, adapting to the available prey in its habitat; essentially, a mix of similar prey items to other regions where it is found, with a focus on readily available local species.