Tawny Eagle Bird Details
Aquila rapax
Tawny Eagle,Common Tawny Eagle, African Tawny Eagle, Indian Tawny Eagle;
Taadaka Baaz
John Latham in 1790.
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Aquila
India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.), Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, and many parts of Africa.
Appearance :
Medium to large-sized eagle with a stout body. Plumage is mostly tawny to pale brown, with darker streaks and mottling. Long wings and a distinctive wedge-shaped tail. The head is relatively small compared to the body, with a strong, hooked beak.
Behaviour :
Often seen soaring at great heights or perched prominently on trees or power lines. Solitary or found in pairs, particularly during the breeding season. Known for its aggressive behavior when defending its territory.
Habitat :
Prefers open grasslands, savannas, and scrublands, as well as agricultural fields. Can also be found in hilly or rocky areas, often near water sources.
Diet :
Carnivorous, primarily feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and carrion. Known to scavenge from larger predators or feed on roadkill.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found across parts of Africa and the Indian subcontinent, including countries such as India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Population Size :
Population size is not well-documented, but it is considered stable.
Life Span :
Typically lives for about 15-20 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: A robust and powerful eagle with a stout body. The Tawny Eagle has a broad head and strong legs, making it well-adapted for hunting.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 8-10 cm (varies slightly based on individual and sex).
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small compared to the body, with a rounded shape and a strong, hooked beak.
- Bill: The bill is robust, designed for tearing flesh.
- Bill Length: Its length is about 4-5 cm.
Length :
Ranges from 60-70 cm from head to tail.
Neck :
The neck is short and strong, contributing to its predatory capabilities.
Size :
Medium to large-sized eagle, with females generally larger than males.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Long and wedge-shaped, which aids in soaring and maneuvering while hunting.
- Tail Length: Approximately 25-30 cm.
- Feathers: Plumage is mostly tawny to pale brown with darker streaks, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat.
Weight :
Weighs between 2 to 3.5 kg.
Wing :
Broad wings with long primary feathers, allowing for efficient soaring and gliding.
Wing Span :
Approximately 160-190 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Tawny Eagle has a strong, hooked beak and keen eyesight, with a relatively small head compared to the body. The eyes are typically bright yellow.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is a large platform constructed high in trees or on cliffs, providing a good vantage point for both hunting and protecting the young.
- Nest Made Up Of: Primarily made of sticks, twigs, and branches, with a lining of softer materials like grass, feathers, or leaves for insulation.
Breeding Season :
Breeding typically occurs between December and April.
Nesting Season :
Nesting season aligns with the breeding period, with eggs typically laid in late winter or early spring.
Egg Color :
Eggs are generally pale bluish-white, often with speckling or blotches in shades of brown or grey.
Egg Length :
Approximately 6-7 cm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 4-5 cm in width.
- Egg Weight: Eggs weigh about 120-150 grams.
Clutch Size :
Typically consists of 1 to 3 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Usually one brood per year, though some pairs may lay a second clutch if the first is lost.
Incubation Period :
Incubation lasts approximately 42-45 days.
Nestling Period :
Chicks fledge and leave the nest about 70-90 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Vocalizations include a series of harsh calls, often described as a "kak-kak" sound
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
Primarily a resident species, but some populations may undertake local movements in search of food or suitable nesting sites.
