The Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) is a large bird of prey that can be found in both north and south of the Sahara desert in Africa. It is a medium-large eagle that can range in overall color from whitish or creamy dull rufous to grayish-brown, and rarely dark brown. The Tawny Eagle measures 60-75 cm (24-30 in) in length and has 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 Eagle Size and Measurements
The Tawny Eagle is a medium-large eagle with the following size and measurements:
| Measurement | Range |
|---|---|
| Length | 60-75 cm (24-30 in) |
| Wingspan | 159-190 cm (63-75 in) |
| Weight | 1.6 to 3 kg (3.5 to 6.6 lb) |
Females are larger and heavier than males, and they have a variety of plumage phases, from pale blonde through to dark brown.
Tawny Eagle Physical Characteristics
Image source: Tawny Eagle by Bernard DUPONT
The Tawny Eagle has several distinctive physical characteristics:
- Moderately long gape line that stops at the center of the eye
- Slit-shaped nostrils
- Short, heavily feathered legs with “baggy trousers”
- Tawny upperparts and blackish flight feathers and tail
- Very pale lower back
- Immature birds are less contrasted than adults, but both show a range of variation in plumage color
Tawny Eagle Habitat and Diet
The Tawny Eagle is a resident breeder that favors open dry habitats, such as desert, semi-desert, steppes, or savannah, plains. Its diet is largely fresh carrion of all kinds, but it will also kill small mammals up to the size of a rabbit, reptiles, and birds up to the size of guineafowl. It will also steal food from other raptors.
Conservation Status of the Tawny Eagle
According to the Global Raptor Information Network, the Tawny Eagle is categorized as Vulnerable due to deliberate and secondary poisoning, human persecution, drowning in reservoirs, and vehicle collisions. The Peregrine Fund is helping to conserve this species by raising awareness about the threats it faces and working to reduce them.
References:
– Tawny Eagle – eBird. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2024, from https://ebird.org/species/taweag1
– African Fish Eagle v Tawny Eagle – Carnivora. (2019, January 21). Retrieved April 20, 2024, from https://carnivora.net/african-fish-eagle-v-tawny-eagle-t5072.html
– Tawny Eagle – Africa Wild forum. (2013, September 01). Retrieved April 20, 2024, from https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2944
– Tawny Eagle – Facts, Diet & Habitat Information – Animal Corner. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2024, from https://animalcorner.org/animals/tawny-eagle/
– Tawny Eagle | The Peregrine Fund. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2024, from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/tawny-eagle/.
