Tawny eagles (Aquila rapax) are known for their aggressive and rapacious nature, but with proper care and training, they can be tamed and handled. This blog post will explore the possibility of training tawny eagles and the unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific tasks.

Taming Tawny Eagles: The Case of Girlie

Leah Chepkorir, an intern at Soysambu Raptor Centre, shared her experience with a tawny eagle she named ‘Girlie’. Girlie was brought to the rescue center with burnt flight feathers due to electrocution. Despite being in pain, Girlie was kind and gentle, which surprised Leah and her colleagues.

Leah, who has a passion for birds and nature, took care of Girlie, ensuring she received proper nutrition and medical attention. This experience demonstrates that with patience and dedication, even the most aggressive and rapacious birds can become gentle and kind companions.

Characteristics of Tawny Eagles

Image source: Tawny Eagle by Bernard DUPONT

Tawny eagles, like other birds of prey, have unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific tasks. For instance, owls were used in Europe as decoys to trap young raptors for falconry. However, tawny eagles are not typically used for falconry due to their size and strength, which are more suitable for experienced falconers.

The Harris’ hawk is a popular choice for beginners due to its cooperative hunting behavior and versatility. In contrast, tawny eagles are known for their aggressive and rapacious nature, which can make them challenging to train and handle.

Training Raptors: Techniques and Considerations

Training raptors, including tawny eagles, involves handling them with jesses, which are leather straps attached to their legs, and using bells to track their position. Modern falconers also use radio telemetry to track their birds and have access to modern medications and advice from other falconers via the internet.

In the case of Girlie, Leah hopes she will be able to undergo an eye operation to remove a torn iris that floats in the middle of her eye. This type of medical intervention and care is essential for the well-being and rehabilitation of injured or sick raptors.

Challenges and Limitations in Training Tawny Eagles

While tawny eagles can be trained and tamed with proper care and attention, they are not typically used for falconry due to their size and strength. Experienced falconers may be able to handle tawny eagles, but they are generally not recommended for beginners or those with limited experience.

The Harris’ hawk, on the other hand, is a more popular choice for falconry due to its cooperative hunting behavior and versatility. Tawny eagles, with their aggressive and rapacious nature, may require more specialized training and handling techniques, which can be more challenging for some falconers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tawny eagles can be trained and tamed with proper care and attention, as demonstrated by Leah’s experience with Girlie. However, they are not typically used for falconry due to their size and strength, which are more suitable for experienced falconers. The training of raptors, including tawny eagles, involves specialized techniques and considerations, and the well-being and rehabilitation of injured or sick birds is of utmost importance.

References:
– The Recovery Journey of a Tawny Eagle
– Owls: Form Follows Content
– Vulture and Eagle Tracking