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The scientific name for the Black Eagle, *Ictinaetus malaiensis*, follows the most recent taxonomic convention regarding spelling.
Answer: True
Explanation: Recent taxonomic consensus, adhering to the principle of priority, favors the original spelling *Ictinaetus malaiensis* over the commonly used *I. malayensis*.
The Black Eagle is one of several species found within the genus *Ictinaetus*.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Black Eagle is the sole species currently classified within the genus *Ictinaetus*, making it unique in this regard.
The Black Eagle belongs to the family Falconidae, which includes falcons.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Black Eagle is classified within the family Accipitridae, which comprises eagles, hawks, and kites, not the Falconidae family.
Molecular phylogenetic studies place the Black Eagle as closely related to vultures within the Accipitridae family.
Answer: False
Explanation: Recent molecular phylogenetic studies indicate that the Black Eagle's genus (*Ictinaetus*) is the sister taxon to the spotted eagles of the genus *Clanga*, not closely related to vultures.
There are three officially recognized subspecies of the Black Eagle.
Answer: False
Explanation: Current official classification recognizes two subspecies of the Black Eagle, not three.
The Black Eagle belongs to the order Accipitriformes, which includes hawks and eagles.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Black Eagle is classified within the order Accipitriformes, a group that also includes hawks, eagles, and vultures.
The genus name *Ictinaetus* was proposed by Temminck based on an illustration of the Black Eagle.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Temminck provided an illustration, the genus name *Ictinaetus* is not attributed to him. Hodgson proposed the genus *Heteropus* in 1843 based on foot structure.
The common name for the species *Ictinaetus malaiensis* is the Black Eagle.
Answer: True
Explanation: The species *Ictinaetus malaiensis* is universally known by its common name, the Black Eagle.
What is the scientific name of the Black Eagle?
Answer: *Ictinaetus malaiensis*
Explanation: The scientific nomenclature for the Black Eagle is *Ictinaetus malaiensis*.
To which family of birds does the Black Eagle belong?
Answer: Accipitridae (Eagles, Hawks, Kites)
Explanation: The Black Eagle is classified within the family Accipitridae, which encompasses a broad range of birds of prey including eagles, hawks, and kites.
What is unique about the Black Eagle's genus, *Ictinaetus*?
Answer: The Black Eagle is the sole species classified within this genus.
Explanation: The genus *Ictinaetus* is monotypic, meaning it contains only one species: the Black Eagle (*Ictinaetus malaiensis*).
What is the preferred spelling for the Black Eagle's species name according to recent taxonomic principles?
Answer: *Ictinaetus malaiensis*
Explanation: Adhering to the principle of priority, taxonomic conventions now favor the original spelling *Ictinaetus malaiensis*.
According to a 2024 molecular study, what is the phylogenetic relationship of the Black Eagle's genus (*Ictinaetus*)?
Answer: It is the sister taxon to the genus *Clanga* (spotted eagles).
Explanation: A 2024 molecular phylogenetic study identified the genus *Ictinaetus* as the sister taxon to the three species of spotted eagles within the genus *Clanga*.
How many subspecies of the Black Eagle are officially recognized?
Answer: Two
Explanation: There are two officially recognized subspecies of the Black Eagle.
The Black Eagle belongs to which order of birds?
Answer: Accipitriformes (Hawks, Eagles, Vultures)
Explanation: The Black Eagle is classified within the order Accipitriformes, which includes other birds of prey such as hawks and vultures.
What was the genus name proposed by Hodgson in 1843 for the Black Eagle, based on its foot structure?
Answer: *Heteropus*
Explanation: In 1843, Hodgson proposed the genus name *Heteropus* for the Black Eagle, specifically referencing its foot structure.
What is the common name for the species *Ictinaetus malaiensis*?
Answer: Black Eagle
Explanation: The species designated by the scientific name *Ictinaetus malaiensis* is commonly known as the Black Eagle.
A distinctive feature aiding in the identification of a Black Eagle is its long, widely splayed primary 'fingers'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Black Eagle's widely splayed and long primary 'fingers' are a key characteristic used for its identification.
The Black Eagle's cere and legs are typically dark grey, contrasting with its black plumage.
Answer: False
Explanation: The cere and legs of adult Black Eagles are typically yellow, providing a contrast to their black plumage, not dark grey.
Adult Black Eagles typically measure around 75 cm in length, with a wingspan up to 182 cm.
Answer: True
Explanation: Adult Black Eagles commonly measure approximately 75 cm in length, with wingspans ranging from 148 to 182 cm.
Despite its large appearance, the Black Eagle is one of the heaviest eagles in its habitat, weighing up to 3.5 kg.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Black Eagle's weight is relatively modest, typically between 1,000 and 1,600 grams, which is considerably less than many other eagles of similar length.
Adult Black Eagles exhibit entirely black plumage.
Answer: True
Explanation: Adult Black Eagles are characterized by their uniform, entirely black plumage.
Juvenile Black Eagles are visually identical to adults, showing no difference in plumage.
Answer: False
Explanation: Juvenile Black Eagles exhibit distinct plumage differences from adults, notably possessing a buff-colored head, underparts, and underwing coverts.
The Black Eagle's wing shape helps differentiate it from the dark form of the changeable hawk-eagle.
Answer: True
Explanation: The distinctive wing shape of the Black Eagle is a key characteristic used to differentiate it from the dark morph of the changeable hawk-eagle (*Nisaetus cirrhatus*).
The Black Eagle possesses bare tarsi and strongly curved claws adapted for grasping large prey.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Black Eagle has fully feathered tarsi and relatively stout, short claws that are less strongly curved than those of many other raptors.
Which of the following is a key visual characteristic for identifying a Black Eagle in flight?
Answer: Long, widely splayed primary 'fingers'
Explanation: The distinctive feature of long, widely splayed primary 'fingers' is crucial for identifying the Black Eagle in flight.
What is the typical wingspan of an adult Black Eagle?
Answer: 148-182 cm
Explanation: Adult Black Eagles typically possess a wingspan ranging from 148 to 182 cm.
How does the Black Eagle's weight compare to other eagles of similar length?
Answer: It is relatively modest, weighing about half as much as the mountain hawk-eagle.
Explanation: Despite its size, the Black Eagle's weight is modest, approximately half that of the mountain hawk-eagle, which shares a similar total length.
What is the characteristic plumage color of adult Black Eagles?
Answer: Entirely black
Explanation: Adult Black Eagles are distinguished by their entirely black plumage.
What color are the cere and legs of adult Black Eagles?
Answer: Yellow
Explanation: The cere and legs of adult Black Eagles are typically yellow, providing a contrast against their dark plumage.
How do juvenile Black Eagles differ in appearance from adults?
Answer: They possess a buff-colored head, underparts, and underwing coverts.
Explanation: Juvenile Black Eagles are distinguishable from adults by their buff-colored head, underparts, and underwing coverts.
What feature helps distinguish the Black Eagle from the dark form of the changeable hawk-eagle?
Answer: The shape of its wings
Explanation: The distinctive wing shape of the Black Eagle serves as a primary feature for differentiating it from the dark morph of the changeable hawk-eagle.
Which description accurately characterizes the Black Eagle's tarsi and claws?
Answer: Fully feathered tarsi with stout, short toes and less strongly curved claws.
Explanation: The Black Eagle possesses fully feathered tarsi and stout, short toes with less strongly curved claws compared to many other raptors.
Which of the following is a characteristic silhouette feature of the Black Eagle in flight?
Answer: Widely splayed and long primary 'fingers'
Explanation: The Black Eagle's flight silhouette is notably characterized by its widely splayed and elongated primary 'fingers'.
Black Eagles are primarily found in the dense rainforests of the Amazon basin.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary habitat of the Black Eagle is in the hilly regions of tropical and subtropical South and Southeast Asia, and southeastern China, not the Amazon basin.
The subspecies *I. m. perniger* is found in the Himalayan foothills and the Ghats of peninsular India.
Answer: True
Explanation: The subspecies *I. m. perniger* inhabits the Himalayan foothills and extends into the Eastern and Western Ghats of peninsular India, as well as Sri Lanka.
The nominate subspecies, *I. m. malaiensis*, is primarily found in Australia and New Zealand.
Answer: False
Explanation: The nominate subspecies, *I. m. malaiensis*, is distributed across Myanmar, Bangladesh, southern China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the Indonesian Archipelago, not Australia or New Zealand.
Black Eagles prefer open grasslands and avoid areas with significant forest cover.
Answer: False
Explanation: Studies indicate that Black Eagles favor habitats with substantial forest cover (over 50%) and are typically absent from areas with less than this threshold.
Which continent is the primary habitat for the Black Eagle?
Answer: South and Southeast Asia
Explanation: The Black Eagle's primary range encompasses South and Southeast Asia, along with southeastern China.
Which geographical area is associated with the subspecies *I. m. perniger*?
Answer: Himalayan foothills and peninsular India
Explanation: The subspecies *I. m. perniger* is found in the Himalayan foothills and the Ghats of peninsular India.
The nominate subspecies, *I. m. malaiensis*, is found in which of the following regions?
Answer: Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Southern China
Explanation: The nominate subspecies, *I. m. malaiensis*, primarily inhabits Myanmar, Bangladesh, southern China, and Taiwan, extending into Southeast Asia.
According to a study in southern India, what is the Black Eagle's habitat preference regarding forest cover?
Answer: Favors habitats with good forest cover (more than 50%).
Explanation: Research indicates that the Black Eagle prefers habitats with substantial forest cover, typically exceeding 50%.
The Black Eagle's wings are held in a straight, horizontal position during flight.
Answer: False
Explanation: In flight, the Black Eagle's wings are typically held in a shallow V-shape, positioned slightly above the horizontal plane, not straight and horizontal.
Black Eagles are known to undertake long-distance seasonal migrations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Black Eagles are generally considered resident birds and do not undertake long-distance seasonal migrations.
Black Eagles typically build their nests on cliff ledges or in caves.
Answer: False
Explanation: Black Eagles typically construct their nests on tall trees overlooking steep valleys, rather than on cliff ledges or in caves.
A typical clutch for a Black Eagle consists of three to four eggs.
Answer: False
Explanation: A typical clutch for a Black Eagle comprises one or two eggs.
The nesting season for Black Eagles primarily occurs during the monsoon months.
Answer: False
Explanation: The nesting season for Black Eagles generally takes place between January and April, not during the monsoon months.
The diet of the Black Eagle includes mammals like squirrels and birds, but excludes eggs.
Answer: False
Explanation: The diet of the Black Eagle encompasses mammals, birds, and eggs.
The Black Eagle's physical adaptations, like its wide gape, help it raid nests for eggs and nestlings.
Answer: True
Explanation: Adaptations such as a wide gape and curved claws enable the Black Eagle to effectively raid nests for eggs and nestlings.
The Black Eagle shares a hunting habit of carrying away entire nests with falcons.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Black Eagle shares the habit of carrying away entire nests with swallow-tailed kites, not falcons.
In flight, how are the Black Eagle's wings typically held?
Answer: In a shallow V-shape, slightly above the horizontal
Explanation: During flight, the Black Eagle typically holds its wings in a shallow V-shape, positioned slightly above the horizontal plane.
What is the typical migratory behavior of the Black Eagle?
Answer: They are generally resident birds and do not migrate long distances.
Explanation: Black Eagles are predominantly resident species and are not known for undertaking extensive long-distance migrations.
Where do Black Eagles typically build their nests?
Answer: On a tall tree overlooking a steep valley
Explanation: Nesting sites for Black Eagles are typically located on tall trees situated above steep valleys.
What is the usual number of eggs laid in a Black Eagle's clutch?
Answer: One or two eggs
Explanation: A typical clutch size for the Black Eagle consists of one or two eggs.
During which months does the nesting season for Black Eagles generally occur?
Answer: January to April
Explanation: The nesting season for Black Eagles typically spans from January to April.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as prey for the Black Eagle?
Answer: Fish
Explanation: The documented diet of the Black Eagle includes mammals, birds, and eggs; fish are not mentioned as a prey item.
What unique hunting behavior does the Black Eagle share with swallow-tailed kites?
Answer: Carrying away entire nests, including nestlings.
Explanation: Both the Black Eagle and swallow-tailed kites exhibit the distinctive hunting behavior of carrying away entire nests, complete with nestlings.
What prey item is specifically mentioned as being taken by the Black Eagle from caves?
Answer: Swiftlets
Explanation: The Black Eagle is noted for its ability to prey on swiftlets found within caves.
According to the IUCN, the Black Eagle is classified as a species of Vulnerable conservation status.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Black Eagle is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List (version 3.1), not Vulnerable.
The reduction in the Black Eagle's range is primarily due to climate change affecting its habitat.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary factor contributing to the reduction of the Black Eagle's range is the shrinking of forested areas due to large-scale extraction activities, not climate change.
The Lepcha people of India referred to the Black Eagle as a bird that never sat down, highlighting its sustained flight capabilities.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Lepcha people of India's Darjeeling district described the Black Eagle as a bird that never sat down, emphasizing its remarkable sustained flight capabilities.
The Soliga people's name for the Black Eagle, *Kaana Kattale*, means 'swift hunter of the plains'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Soliga people's name, *Kaana Kattale*, reflects the Black Eagle's black coloration and its association with forested environments, not 'swift hunter of the plains'.
What is the conservation status of the Black Eagle according to the IUCN Red List (version 3.1)?
Answer: Least Concern
Explanation: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Black Eagle as Least Concern.
What is identified as the primary factor contributing to the reduction of the Black Eagle's range?
Answer: Shrinking of forested areas due to extraction activities.
Explanation: The primary driver for the reduction in the Black Eagle's range is habitat loss resulting from the shrinking of forested areas due to extraction activities.
How did the Lepcha people describe the Black Eagle's flight?
Answer: As a bird that never sat down.
Explanation: The Lepcha people referred to the Black Eagle as a bird that never sat down, signifying its exceptional endurance in flight.
The Soliga people's name for the Black Eagle, *Kaana Kattale*, relates to its:
Answer: Black coloration and forest habitat.
Explanation: The name *Kaana Kattale*, used by the Soliga people, signifies the Black Eagle's black plumage and its presence within forest environments.