Movements of a juvenile Crowned Eagle (Harpyhaliaetus coronatus) tracked by satellite telemetry in central Argentina.

BACKGROUND

A juvenile Crowned Eagle was tagged at its nest with a satellite transmitter. The Crowned Eagle (Harpyhaliaetus coronatus) is one of the most unknown raptor species from the American continent. Their current distribution ranges from central Brazil to central Argentina, with a total population of 350-1500 individuals across this large area, being thus largely fragmented.

RESULTS

During the three years of tracking the bird concentrated its movements in a range spanning for 12845 km(2), but concentrating mainly in four smaller areas accounting for 3073 km(2). The locations were recorded mainly over shrubland habitats (86.5%), whereas other habitats used were different types of mosaics that included cropland and natural vegetation (forest, shrubland or grassland) close to wetlands.

CONCLUSIONS

The home-range estimated for this individual during the whole period was 12845 km(2) (according to 95% fixed kernel). However, the bird concentrated most of its movements in smaller areas (as defined above), that accounted for a total of 3073 km(2) (50% fixed kernel). During these three years, most of the locations of the juvenile solitary Crowned Eagle were recorded over shrubland habitats (86.5% of the locations). Understanding in a more detailed way the juvenile ranging behaviour and habitat preferences would be of great importance for the conservation of the Crowned Eagle.