Israel functions as a globally significant crossroads for raptor movement. The country’s unique geographic position, situated at the junction of three continents—Africa, Asia, and Europe—creates a natural bottleneck for millions of migrating birds. This narrow land bridge, flanked by the Mediterranean Sea to the west and vast deserts to the east, funnels soaring birds of prey through its airspace twice each year. These species are present either as passage migrants, winter visitors, or, in a few cases, as year-round resident breeders.
Identifying the Major Eagle Species
The eagles observed in Israel fall into distinct categories based on their presence in the region. The Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) is the most numerous, with a large percentage of the world population passing through Israel during migration. This large, dark brown eagle has a robust build, a thick neck, and a long gape line that extends past the center of its eye. Its presence is concentrated during the spring and autumn migration seasons.
The Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) is another major species, primarily seen as a winter visitor. Adults are a dark, rich brown, distinguished by a pale golden nape and conspicuous white patches, or “epaulettes,” on their shoulders. This eagle prefers open country and is often found hunting in agricultural areas or woodlands adjacent to plains during the cooler months.
In contrast to these migratory species, the Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata) is one of the few resident breeding eagles in Israel. It is a medium-sized, agile raptor known for its white underside, dark brown back, and distinctly long, feathered legs. This resident population is adapted to hunting in the rugged, mountainous terrains where it maintains its breeding territories year-round.
Migration and Residency Status
Israel’s location on the Great Rift Valley flyway makes it a mandatory route for Palearctic raptors traveling between their Eurasian breeding grounds and African wintering areas. Soaring birds rely heavily on thermal updrafts—rising columns of warm air—to gain altitude and glide long distances, conserving energy. Since thermals do not form effectively over water, raptors are forced to follow the landmass, creating the funnel effect over Israel.
The vast majority of eagles observed are passage migrants, like the Steppe Eagle, which only use the country as a flight path during the autumn and spring. These birds are seen in massive, concentrated flocks. Species like the Eastern Imperial Eagle are considered winter visitors, arriving in the autumn and staying to feed in open habitats.
Only a few species, such as the Bonelli’s Eagle, maintain a residency status, nesting and hunting within fixed territories throughout the year. Their survival is tied to the availability of undisturbed cliff faces and a stable prey base in the more remote areas. This mix of residency and migratory passage underscores the region’s importance as a crucial corridor for global populations.
Key Habitats and Geographic Distribution
The distribution of eagles across Israel is directly linked to the country’s diverse topography and climate. The Rift Valley flyway, particularly around Eilat in the south, is the most famous location, serving as the main aerial highway where millions of raptors, including Steppe Eagles, are counted during migration. The narrow valley concentrates the birds into spectacular viewing corridors.
For resident eagles, the rugged, arid landscapes of the Judean Desert and the Negev Desert provide the most secure breeding sites. These areas offer high, sheer cliff faces ideal for nesting, with the low human population density minimizing disturbance. The Golan Heights in the north is another historically significant area, particularly the Gamla Nature Reserve, which features cliffs that support a high density of breeding raptors.
Conservation Status and Threats
The small populations of resident eagles in Israel are facing a precarious conservation status. The Bonelli’s Eagle population, for instance, has declined dramatically, with only a handful of breeding pairs remaining, prompting its classification as critically endangered in the country. The primary cause of this decline is direct human activity and environmental changes.
A major threat is secondary poisoning, which occurs when eagles scavenge on the carcasses of predators, like wolves or jackals, that have been intentionally poisoned by farmers. Another significant danger is electrocution from perching on high-voltage power lines, a problem addressed through insulation efforts led by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) in cooperation with the national electric company.
The INPA is actively involved in protective measures, including intensive monitoring, nest guarding, and the “Porsim Canaf” project, which translates to “Spreading a Wing.” This initiative focuses on the rehabilitation and reintroduction of raptors and the mitigation of human-related threats. However, habitat fragmentation and human disturbance at nesting sites continue to challenge the recovery of these fragile populations.