The Eastern Imperial Eagle and the Steppe Eagle are two of the most impressive birds of prey found in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. While they share some similarities, these two species have distinct differences in their appearance, behavior, diet, and conservation status. This article will provide a detailed comparison to help animal enthusiasts understand the unique characteristics of these magnificent raptors.

Size and Appearance

The Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) is a large bird of prey with a wingspan of up to 2.2 meters (7 ft 3 in) and a body length of 70-85 cm (27.5-33.5 in). It has a distinctive white patch on its shoulders and is generally darker than other Aquila eagles in central Eurasia.

In contrast, the Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) has a wingspan of up to 2.6 times its total body length, making it a very wide-looking bird with a wingspan of approximately 2 meters (7 ft). It is a large, bulky, and robust-looking eagle, mainly dark brown in color with a longish but thick neck and a relatively small head.

Habitat and Behavior

Image source: eastern imperial eagle By Koshy Koshy

The Eastern Imperial Eagle prefers open landscapes, such as steppes and semi-arid zones, and nests in trees. It hunts small mammals, birds, and carrion, with its main food source varying by region.

The Steppe Eagle, on the other hand, prefers flat, often almost treeless steppe and is known for its migratory behavior, covering vast distances during its annual journeys. It eats a wide range of foods, from termites to ground squirrels, and is particularly keen on voles.

Conservation Status

The Eastern Imperial Eagle is classified as “Vulnerable” by BirdLife International due to its rarity in Europe, with most of the European population wintering in the Middle East, Greece, and Turkey. The main threats to this species include illegal poisoning, habitat destruction, and electrocution on power poles.

The Steppe Eagle, on the other hand, is considered an endangered species due to habitat loss, human disturbance, and collisions with power lines. Its conservation status varies across its range, with populations in some regions faring better than others.

Hybridization

Interestingly, the Eastern Imperial Eagle and the Steppe Eagle have been known to hybridize in the wild, with hybrid pairs producing seemingly healthy young with roughly intermediate characteristics. This phenomenon has been observed in Turkey and Kazakhstan, involving pairs of subadult or juvenile eagles.

Conclusion

In summary, the Eastern Imperial Eagle and the Steppe Eagle are both impressive birds of prey with distinct differences in their appearance, behavior, diet, and conservation status. While they share some similarities, these two species have unique characteristics that make them fascinating subjects for animal enthusiasts.

References:

• European Raptors. (n.d.). Eastern Imperial Eagle (Key Facts To Know) – European Raptors. Retrieved from https://europeanraptors.org/eastern-imperial-eagle/
• Wikipedia. (2021, December 14). Eastern imperial eagle. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_imperial_eagle
• Fact Animal. (n.d.). The Largest Eagles in the World by Wingspan. Retrieved from https://factanimal.com/animal-facts/largest-eagles-in-the-world-by-wingspan/
• Thai National Parks. (n.d.). Steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) – Thai National Parks. Retrieved from https://www.thainationalparks.com/species/steppe-eagle