Raptor Riddle 3

[RaptorBirder]

I couldn't find any details of where this image was captured but it could have been in Africa.

Can you identify this raptor please?

[RaptorBirder]

Crikey, almost 60 views in six days and not one suggested ID!

OK, would it help if you knew that the image could also have been captured in Europe?

[Hirundo]

OK I will be brave, is it clanga - spotted eagle?

[Nathan Kipling]

I have a feeling this one which seems to have everyone stumped (two weeks without one post!) is a vulture species from what looks like a more or less bare head to me so since it's dark is it a black vulture?

:ohdear:

[Brian S]

At the risk of looking foolish (which I am good at), I would say this was an Aquila, with the white feathering showing it being very young and the small amount of golden feathering on the crown making it look like a Golden Eagle.

Brian S

[Nathan Kipling]

I'm not sure black vultures are also African though, they're also Asian, on second thoughts if Europe could be meant loosely perhaps it's a lappet-faced? I think a few pairs just s....e into Israel.

:puzzled:

[RaptorBirder]

Apologies for keeping you all in suspense for so long - the Christmas and New Year break intervened!

After a bit of a slow start, Hirundo was in the right family and then Brian S came in with the correct answer - Well done!

Here are a couple of other images to show that despite the rather vulturine appearance the raptor was actually a nestling Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).

Happy New Year to one and all!