Steppe eagles have good hearing, but it is not exceptional compared to other birds of prey. Their hearing is about equal to that of humans, making them capable of detecting a wide range of sounds in their environment. This is useful for communication with other steppe eagles, detecting the approach of potential threats, and locating prey.

The Role of Hearing in Steppe Eagles

Steppe eagles rely on their hearing to a certain extent during hunting, as they often soar high above their prey and dive down to seize it with their powerful talons. However, they primarily use their keen eyesight to locate prey from great heights. Their visual acuity is highly developed, allowing them to spot small mammals and birds from a considerable distance.

Seasonal Adaptations in Steppe Eagle Diet

Image source: Steppe Eagle by Fimb

It is worth noting that steppe eagles have adapted to a specialized diet that varies with the seasons. During the summer months, they primarily feed on ground squirrels, becoming particularly adept at finding, catching, and eating these rodents. In contrast, during the winter months, when it becomes increasingly difficult to hunt ground squirrels and other small mammals due to their migratory patterns, steppe eagles rely on a diet of insects such as termites and locusts, as well as small songbirds.

Social Behavior and Communication

Despite their solitary nature, steppe eagles have been known to migrate in packs with other members of their species and cooperate with each other when stealing food from other birds of prey. This suggests that they have some level of social organization and communication, which likely involves the use of their hearing.

Comparison to Other Birds of Prey

While steppe eagles have good hearing, it is not exceptionally acute compared to other birds of prey. Their hearing plays a role in their communication, detection of threats, and to some extent, hunting. However, their visual acuity is their primary sensory modality for locating and capturing prey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, steppe eagles have good hearing, but it is not the primary sense they rely on for hunting and survival. Their hearing is on par with that of humans, allowing them to detect a range of sounds in their environment. However, their keen eyesight is the dominant sense they use to locate and capture their prey, particularly during the summer months when they primarily feed on ground squirrels.

References:
– http://www.langmusi.net/web_e/plateauwildlife/birdofprey.html
– https://operationmigration.org/steppe-eagle-the-ultimate-guide/
– https://birdwatchingalentejo.com/steppe-eagle/
– https://ccbbirds.org/2010/03/03/eagle-hearingears/
– https://ebird.org/species/steeag1