Gould wrote 'Although the Spotted Eagle is one of the smallest members of its genus, it is in every respects a true Aquila; and had it been a native of the British Islands instead of an occasional visitor, it would have been an important species in the Raptorial division of our avifauna.' Gould cited two rare instances of this eagle being caught in Cornwall in 1860 and 1861 but regretted that he himself had not seen the eagle alive.

A young bird is depicted about two-thirds lifesize, with a very much reduced figure of an adult in the distance.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds eastern Europe to southwest Russia, northern Iran and India. Winters from southeastern Europe and Asia Minor to south Africa and from India east to Burma. Often confused with the larger Spotted Eagle A.clangula and records of Lesser Spotted Eagle in Britain have not been authenticated