Steppe Eagle

The Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) is a large bird of prey, characterized by its robust build and well-feathered legs, indicative of its membership in the "booted eagles" subfamily (Aquilinae). It has a small head relative to its body, a strong bill, and a long gape-line that extends beyond the center of its eye. The species exhibits a dark brown plumage with variable patterns, including a pale nape patch in some individuals.

Identification Tips

Adult Steppe Eagles can be identified by their dark brown plumage, long gape-line, and fierce facial expression due to deep-set eyes. Juveniles are paler with conspicuous white-tipped black feathers on their wings and tail. In flight, they display a large head, broad neck, and long, broad wings with seven elongated emarginations on the fingers.

Habitat

Steppe Eagles breed in open dry country, including steppes, arid grasslands, semi-deserts, and rocky outcrops. They avoid heavily human-modified areas but can tolerate some human presence.

Distribution

The Steppe Eagle breeds across Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China. It winters in East and Southern Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, with some individuals overwintering in Kazakhstan.

Behaviour

Steppe Eagles are sometimes solitary but can be gregarious, especially during migration and at feeding sites. They exhibit slow, deep wingbeats and are capable of powerful, labored flight. They are not highly vocal, with a raspy bark being their main call.

Song & Calls

The Steppe Eagle's call is a raspy bark, with a loud whistle sometimes heard during aerial displays.

Breeding

Breeding pairs construct large stick nests on the ground or slightly elevated sites. Clutch size is usually 2 eggs, with incubation lasting around 45 days. Fledging occurs between 55 and 65 days.

Similar Species

Steppe Eagles can be confused with similar eagles, particularly the Tawny Eagle and Spotted Eagles. They are larger and bulkier than Spotted Eagles and have a deeper gape and rounded nostrils compared to the oval nostrils of Spotted Eagles.

Diet and Feeding

Steppe Eagles are opportunistic predators, focusing on small mammals like ground squirrels during breeding. In winter, they often feed on insects, carrion, and vulnerable water birds.

Conservation Status

The Steppe Eagle is classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to rapid population declines caused by habitat loss, persecution, wildfires, predation, electrocutions, and collisions with powerlines.