Tawny eagles, scientifically known as Aquila rapax, are large birds of prey that are widely distributed across Africa, southern Russia, south Siberian and Kirghiz steppes, Transbaikalia, Mongolia, Arabia, India, and some parts of West Africa. They prefer desert, semi-desert, steppes, open savannah, thin bushveld, and cultivation steppe habitats from sea level to 8,000 feet (2,400 m).
Tawny Eagles’ Nesting Preferences
Tawny eagles are obligate tree nesters and require the availability of ephemeral rainfall during the wet season to support tree growth for nesting. They build their nests in the crown of thornbushes or trees, usually in Acacia trees.
Nest Location and Construction
Tawny eagles typically build their nests in the crown of thornbushes or trees, with a preference for Acacia trees. The nests are large, bulky structures made of sticks, twigs, and other vegetation. They are usually located high up in the tree canopy, providing the eagles with a good vantage point to survey their territory.
Breeding and Egg Laying
Tawny eagles are monogamous and pair for life. During the breeding season, the male and female work together to build the nest and maintain it. The female lays 1-3 eggs, which hatch after 39-45 days of incubation. Both the male and female participate in incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks.
Nest Losses and Breeding Success
Nest losses of eggs and young appear to be quite high due to sibling aggression and predation by a wide range of predators. Breeding success is driven by the quality of habitats and food access, with higher nesting success found in Zambia, where pairs produced a mean of 1 fledgling per nest, compared to lower success rates in Namibia and Tsavo East National Park.
Tawny Eagles’ Habitat and Behavior
Image source: Tawny Eagle by Bernard DUPONT
Tawny eagles prefer desert, semi-desert, steppes, open savannah, thin bushveld, and cultivation steppe habitats from sea level to 8,000 feet (2,400 m). They are generally silent birds but become more vocal during the breeding season, with males emitting a crow-like barking or ‘kwok kwok’ noise when aggravated.
Courtship and Vocalizations
Tawny eagles are monogamous and pair for life. During courtship, the male performs undulating displays and mutual soaring displays to attract a mate. They are generally silent birds, but the males become more vocal during the breeding season, emitting a crow-like barking or ‘kwok kwok’ noise when aggravated.
Conservation Status
In terms of conservation status, tawny eagles are classed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List, indicating that they are not currently facing significant threats to their population.
Conclusion
Tawny eagles are fascinating birds of prey that have adapted to a variety of habitats across Africa, southern Russia, and parts of Asia. Their nesting preferences, breeding behavior, and conservation status provide valuable insights into the ecology and conservation of these impressive raptors.
