Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga) from Pakistan | Field Documentation (Haripur & Margalla Hills)

A large spotted eagle consistent with the Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga) was documented through photographs and video recordings from Jagal village, Haripur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and later from the Margalla Hills–Islamabad region. The Margalla individual appears slimmer due to greater camera distance, angle, and posture (neck extended, feathers compressed), whereas the Jagal birds were filmed closer and fluffed while perched—structural proportions remain consistent with Greater Spotted Eagle.

The bird was observed soaring in circular thermals at Jagal on 7 January 2024, followed by repeated perching observations at the same locality near the Margalla Hills during December 2024 and February 2025, suggesting winter site fidelity.

Identification note:
Identification is based on an integrated assessment of structure (broad wings, tail shape, leg projection), flight behaviour, perching posture, habitat context, and seasonal timing. In view of documented hybridization within Clanga and plumage overlap with some dark Buteo taxa, this identification reflects the most parsimonious interpretation of available morphological evidence and remains open to reassessment should future comparative or molecular data warrant revision.

📍 Locations:
• Jagal, Haripur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
• Margalla Hills–Islamabad region
📅 Dates:
• 7 Jan 2024 (flight)
• 16 Dec 2024 & 15 Feb 2025 (perching)
🎶 Music: YouTube Audio Library

📖 A detailed, fully referenced scientific account will be published on the upcoming website:
👉 www.biodiversigrapher.com

If you value accurate wildlife documentation from Pakistan,
🔔 Subscribe to BiodiversiGrapher®
👍 Like the video
💬 Comment with your field insights
📤 Share to support biodiversity awareness