Order: Falconiformes | Family: Accipitridae
Status: Category III (VU) — Vulnerable species.
The species plays an important role in preserving the gene pool. In Turkmenistan, it is represented by the nominotypical subspecies Aquila heliaca Savigny, 1809.

Distribution: Found widely along migratory routes. Outside Turkmenistan, it occurs in southeastern Europe, east to Lake Baikal, south from Western Asia to India. Winters in Central, Western and South Asia, and northeast Africa.

Habitat: Nests in river valleys with tugai (riparian) vegetation. During migration and winter, it inhabits open landscapes.

Population and trends: Nesting recorded only twice — at the end of the 18th century in Murgab tugai forests and between 1984-1987 in Badkhyz, Gyzyljar canyon. Numbers of migrating and wintering birds vary over time and location.

Main threats: Degradation of tugai forests along river valleys; mortality due to power line collisions.

Biological features: Migratory and wintering species, sporadic nesting possible. Spring migration occurs in March-April; autumn migration in October-November, often in the southwest of the country. Lays 2-3 eggs in April. Feeds on large rodents, birds, hares, and carrion.

Breeding: Detailed studies not conducted.

Conservation: Listed in Turkmenistan’s Red Data Book since 1985 and in the IUCN Red List (Category VU). Protected in all nature reserves of Turkmenistan. Included in CITES Appendix I and CMS Appendix I.

Conservation recommendations: Strengthen species protection and public awareness. Monitor populations during migration and wintering periods.