The Bateleur Eagle and the Steppe Eagle are two distinct species of eagles that belong to the family Accipitridae. These two raptors have several unique characteristics that set them apart, making them fascinating subjects for avid birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Physical Characteristics
Bateleur Eagle
- Medium-sized eagle with an average length of 55-70 cm (22-28 in) and a wingspan of 186 cm (6 ft 1 in)
- Adult weight is typically 2-2.6 kg (4 lb 7 oz to 5 lb 12 oz)
- Distinctive red and black plumage with a short tail
Steppe Eagle
- Large bird of prey with a length of 60-75 cm (24-30 in) and a wingspan of 159-190 cm (63-75 in)
- Weight can range from 1.6 to 3 kg (3.5 to 6.6 lb)
- Tawny upperparts and blackish flight feathers and tail, with a pale throat
Habitat and Distribution
Image source: Bateleur Eagle By Bernard DUPONT
Bateleur Eagle
- Endemic to Africa and small parts of Arabia
- Prefers open habitats such as savannas, grasslands, and semi-deserts
Steppe Eagle
- Widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, tropical southwestern Asia to India
- Favors open dry habitats, such as desert, semi-desert, steppes, or savannah, plains
Feeding Habits
Bateleur Eagle
- Hunters and scavengers, they will attack other species for food and will scavenge carrion
- Adept at finding smaller carcasses before most other scavengers
- Will hunt birds, small reptiles, and small mammals
- Its prey is often stolen by the tawny eagle
Steppe Eagle
- Diet is largely fresh carrion of all kinds, but will kill small mammals, reptiles, and birds up to the size of guineafowl
- Will steal food from other raptors
Plumage and Appearance
Bateleur Eagle
- Adult birds have a distinctive red and black plumage with a short tail
- Immature birds have a less contrasted plumage
Steppe Eagle
- Adults have tawny upperparts and blackish flight feathers and tail, with a pale throat
- Immature birds are less contrasted than adults, but both show a range of variation in plumage color
Conclusion
The Bateleur Eagle and the Steppe Eagle are two fascinating birds of prey that share some similarities but also have distinct differences in their physical characteristics, habitat preferences, and feeding behaviors. Understanding these differences can help birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts better appreciate the diversity of the avian world.
References:
– Birding for Beginners: Eagles
– Bateleur v Tawny Eagle
– Steppe Eagle
