The Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) is a large bird of prey that belongs to the family Accipitridae. It is known for its well-feathered legs and is a member of the subfamily Aquilinae. The Steppe Eagle is a large and impressive raptor, with a body length of 62-81 cm and a wingspan of 165-215 cm. Females are slightly larger than males, weighing between 2.3-4.9 kg, while males weigh between 2-3.5 kg.

The Size of a Steppe Eagle’s Foot

The size of a Steppe Eagle’s foot can be measured by its hallux claw, which is the enlarged killing talon on the rear foot of essentially all accipitrids. In the case of the Steppe Eagle, the hallux claw measures between 28.3-36.8 mm (1.11-1.45 in) in males and between 31.8-38.3 mm (1.25-1.51 in) in females.

This is a significant size difference compared to other birds of prey, and it is one of the distinguishing features of the Steppe Eagle.

Steppe Eagle’s Diet

Image source: Steppe Eagle by Fimb

Steppe Eagles are carnivores and prey mainly on small-sized mammals, with some birds and reptiles and (mostly in winter) frequently insects and carrion. They are somewhat specialized predators of particular mammals such as ground squirrels while breeding and, during non-breeding times, feed on various foods including insect swarms, semi-altricial young of assorted animals, landfills, and carrion.

Steppe Eagle’s Breeding Behavior

Steppe Eagles are monogamous and form long-lasting pair bonds, with a breeding season that lasts from late March or early April to roughly late August. The nest is a large stick platform, varying greater in size based on available materials, and is usually placed in an exposed site among stones, often on a hummock or sometimes low bushes and a spot on the ground which is usually raised slightly above the mean layout of the environment. The female lays 1-3 eggs and the incubation lasts around 45 days.

Unique Characteristics of the Steppe Eagle

The Steppe Eagle is a large and impressive raptor with a significant hallux claw size, which is one of the distinguishing features of this bird of prey. Its diet consists mainly of small-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and carrion, and it forms long-lasting pair bonds during the breeding season.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Steppe Eagle is a fascinating bird of prey with a unique set of characteristics, including its impressive size, specialized diet, and distinctive hallux claw. Understanding the size and features of a Steppe Eagle’s foot can provide valuable insights into its hunting and survival strategies, as well as its role in the ecosystem.

References:
– Steppe Eagle Information
– Steppe Eagle Facts
– Wikipedia – Steppe Eagle