The Iberian Imperial Eagle is a monogamous species. After forming a couple, the male and female remain together, performing nuptial parades regularly, which intensify their bond as a pair. They defend their territory together and both incubate and look after the chicks.
This species builds nests in large trees, mostly in pines, eucalyptus and cork oaks, and may re-use the nest in following years, or occupy alternative nests. Each pair usually has between one and five nests. The choice of place for the nest is made considering the height of the trees and how calm the area is.
The mating season begins in January/February, with the nuptial parades and the construction or improvement of the nest.
The nuptial parades consist of undulated flights, where the birds fly up and then dive down, vocalising frequently. Sometimes they lock their claws and spin vertiginously until they let go, often quite close to the ground.
The eggs are usually laid between the end of February and the beginning of April, and the posture varies between one and four eggs.
Incubation lasts about 42 days, and the chicks stay in the nest between 75 and 85 days.
The first flights of juvenile birds usually happen at the end of July, and the birds stay in their parent’s territory between 3 and 4 months, as they gradually become independent.
Afterwards, they start to disperse into areas with high food availability. These areas may or may not be occupied by breeding pairs.
