Steppe Eagle Bird Details
Aquila nipalensis
Steppe Eagle,Steppe Hawk-Eagle, Himalayan Eagle;
Banjar cheel
Brian Houghton Hodgson,1833
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Aquila
- Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Turkey
- Africa: Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Africa.
Appearance :
Robust body build with a powerful beak and strong talons. Adults are dark brown with a whitish band on the underwing. Juveniles have a more contrasting pattern with a wider white band.
Behaviour :
Steppe Eagles are typically solitary birds, except during the breeding season. They are territorial and defend their nesting sites from other eagles.
Habitat :
Prefers open areas like grasslands, deserts, and scrub. Can also be found in mountainous regions, especially during migration.
Diet :
Carnivorous: Primarily feeds on ground squirrels, but also consumes other small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Conservation Status :
Endangered
Distribution :
Breeds in eastern Europe, central Asia, and Mongolia. Winters in Africa and India.
Population Size :
Approximately 2,500-10,000 individuals.
Life Span :
15-20 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Steppe Eagle is a large, broad-winged bird of prey, known for its robust and powerful build. It has a somewhat elongated body with a strong, muscular frame, allowing it to thrive in both soaring and ground-hunting activities. The body is well-adapted for long migrations across large distances.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (the part of the leg between the foot and the knee) is typically around 7.5 cm to 9 cm in length.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head of the Steppe Eagle is relatively large, with strong neck muscles to support its hunting behavior.
- Eyes: The eyes are forward-facing with excellent binocular vision, critical for spotting prey from a distance.
- Bill: The bill is large, hooked, and powerful, ideal for tearing flesh from its prey. It is dark at the tip, with a lighter yellow base, typical of many eagles.
- Bill Length: The length of the bill can be approximately 4-6 cm.
Length :
72-81 cm
Neck :
Thick and muscular
Size :
It is a large eagle
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is relatively short compared to the wings, and it is square-cut at the end. The tail helps with maneuverability during flight and acts as a rudder during soaring.
- Tail Length: The tail length is approximately 27 cm to 32 cm, depending on the individual eagle's size.
- Feathers: The feathers are dark brown, often with golden highlights on the nape and a lighter brown on the underparts. They are dense and durable, providing both insulation in cold weather and protection during long flights.
Weight :
Females can weigh up to 5 kg, while males are generally lighter, around 2.5 to 3.5 kg.
Wing :
Broad and rounded, ideal for soaring
Wing Span :
160-200 cm
Facial Feature :
The Steppe Eagle has a distinctive facial expression with piercing yellow eyes, a strong and hooked bill, and prominent brow ridges that give it a fierce and focused appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Steppe Eagle typically builds large nests, often reusing the same site year after year. These nests are placed in trees, cliffs, or on the ground in open areas, depending on the environment.
- Nest Made up of: The nest is constructed with sticks and branches, and it is lined with softer materials like grass, leaves, and animal hair for insulation and comfort for the eggs and chicks.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season typically begins in late March to early May.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season spans from April to July.
Egg Color :
The eggs are generally pale, with off-white or light brown coloration. They are often speckled or blotched with brown or reddish markings, which help with camouflage.
Egg Length :
The eggs of the Steppe Eagle measure approximately 65 mm to 75 mm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The egg width ranges from 50 mm to 55 mm, which is proportional to the egg's overall size.
- Egg Weight: The weight of each egg is around 120 to 150 grams, depending on the size and age of the female.
Clutch Size :
The typical clutch size for the Steppe Eagle is 1 to 3 eggs, with 2 eggs being the most common.
No. of Broods :
The Steppe Eagle usually raises one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts approximately 40 to 45 days.
Nestling Period :
After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for about 55 to 60 days.
Vocalization :
The Steppe Eagle's vocalizations are typically harsh and loud. Their calls include repeated "kra-kra-kra" sounds.
Sex Demorphism :
there is sexual dimorphism in Steppe Eagles, with females being larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
Migration Pattern: The Steppe Eagle is a long-distance migrant. It travels from its breeding grounds in Central Asia to wintering grounds in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia. During migration, it soars over large distances using thermal currents.
Migration Period: Migration typically occurs between September and November for southward migration and between March and May for northward migration.
Migration Route: Steppe Eagles follow well-defined migration routes. They breed in regions such as Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia, and migrate to wintering areas in India, East Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. They often follow mountain ranges and coastlines to take advantage of thermals and avoid large water bodies.
