The Genera of Booted Eagles: Aquila and Relatives

Abstract

The nine genera of eagles with feathered legs (hence "booted") are reviewed. Of the nine, six were monotypic. One of the six, Ictinaetus, is very distinct and is probably not a member of the group. Of the other monotypic genera Polemaetus is here combined with Hieraaetus, and Lophaetus, Oroaetus, and Stephanoaetus with Spizaetus. The remaining monotypic genus, Spizastur, is for the time being retained because, while very close to Hieraaetus in characters, it may in fact prove to be a New World offshoot of Spizaetus stock. The genus Aquila with 10 species is left as presently constituted. All of the five genera recognized are diagnosed; their way of life briefly characterized, problems at the species level discussed, and the species of each listed in a recommended sequence.