The Selati Black Eagle Chick Spreads Its Wings

Posted in: The Wild Side

Africam Partners with Selati Wilderness Foundation for Black Eagle Camera

Africam has partnered with the Selati Wilderness Foundation (SWF) and Explore.org to bring viewers unprecedented access to the secretive lives of Black (Verreaux’s) eagles. This new live-streaming initiative has allowed people around the world to witness the breeding cycle of one of Africa’s most iconic raptors.

SWF is dedicated to supporting conservation efforts in the Selati Game Reserve and surrounding areas by focusing on ethical conservation, wildlife monitoring, and the protection of endangered species. Their partnership with Africam highlights the vital role Black eagles play in maintaining ecological balance while promoting awareness and conservation of the reserve’s unique ecosystem.

Egg Watch Begins

Earlier this season, the Selati eagle pair carefully selected their nest site, and on April 28th, the Selati Wilderness Foundation confirmed the arrival of the first egg. As is typical for Black eagles, the female laid a second egg a few days later. From the start, both adults were attentive, showing the steady incubation behaviors that give these large raptors such strong reproductive success.

However, on June 8th, one of the adult eagles, most likely the female, began to peck at the first egg. While unsettling at first glance, this is a natural behavior among raptors when an egg is infertile or damaged. By consuming the unviable egg, the parents not only reclaim valuable nutrients but also keep the nest clean and reduce risks of disease or attracting predators.

A Chick is Born

The pair continued to diligently incubate the remaining egg, and their efforts paid off. On the morning of June 13th, a tiny chick was seen moving in the nest, an exciting milestone for the Selati eagle pair and all those following the journey.

This hatch offered an extraordinary opportunity to observe the early days of a Black eagle’s life, from parental care to feeding behaviors, all streamed live from the rock cliffs of the Selati Game Reserve. The moment was a reminder of how fragile and yet resilient life in the wild can be.

From Nestling to Fledgling

Viewers watched as the chick grew under the care of both parents, receiving food and protection as it strengthened day by day. The live feed offered rare glimpses of behaviors such as feeding, wing exercises, and the gradual development of flight feathers.

On the 7th September, the young eagle reached a new milestone in the form of fledging! This moment, when a chick takes its first flight from the nest, marks the transition from nestling to juvenile and is one of the most significant events in a raptor’s life.

What Happens Next?

Fledging is only the beginning of the young eagle’s journey. After leaving the nest, a Black eagle chick typically remains in the vicinity of its natal territory for several weeks. During this period, it is still dependent on its parents for food and guidance, though it begins making longer flights to strengthen its wings and practice foraging skills. 

After about 14 weeks post-fledging, the male adult eagle will become aggressive towards the juvenile, and eventually, the young eagles will be forced to leave their parents’ territory to seek out their own range. After which, they will attempt to establish themselves and hunt successfully on their own.

This crucial stage of independence is often perilous, but it ensures that only the strongest survive to carry forward the lineage of these powerful raptors.

Looking to the Future 

The story of the Selati Black eagle pair and their chick has captivated viewers across the world. Thanks to the partnership between Africam, the Selati Wilderness Foundation, and Explore.org. This journey has been shared in real time, offering insights into behaviors that are rarely observed so closely. 

As the young eagle embarks on its path toward independence, Africam and SWF will continue to follow its progress, sharing updates and celebrating each new chapter. This project not only provides an intimate window into the life of Black eagles but also reinforces the importance of protecting wild spaces where such remarkable stories can unfold.

Witness the Black Eagle chicks’ final few weeks in the nest before fully taking off on their own adventure: