Did we at Monte Horizonte see the Spanish Imperial Eagle?  Although there are only a few pairs in Portugal we think we saw it but can´t be sure. We might need some help here.

The Spanish Imperial Eagle (also known as Iberian Imperial Eagle or Adalbert's Eagle) (Aquila adalberti) is closely related to the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca). It occurs only in central and south-west Spain, Portugal and possibly northern Morocco.

The Spanish Imperial Eagle is smaller, 2.5–3.5 kg (5.5–7.7 lbs) and 75–84 cm (30–33 in) in length, and darker than its eastern cousin, and is a resident species (A. heliaca migrates to the southeast during winter).

It feeds mainly on rabbits, but can prey on many other animals, such as Red-legged Partridge, rodents, hares, pigeons, crows, ducks and even foxes. The species is classified as Vulnerable. Threats include loss of habitat, human encroachment, collisions with pylons, and illegal poisoning.

In 2006 there were around 220 pairs reported in Spain and 2 in Portugal, and though numbers are showing signs of recovery, it is still an endangered species. In February 2009 one male of the extremely rare Portugal population was shot.