Tawny eagles primarily communicate through physical displays, vocalizations, and behaviors during mating and nesting. These forms of communication help them establish and maintain territories, attract mates, and ensure the survival of their offspring.
Physical Displays
Tawny eagles are known for their undulating displays made by the male, which are often followed by mutual soaring displays during the breeding season. These displays involve high circling, alone or in pairs, over the nesting site. The male may also perform a series of “pot hooks,” which involves a series of gradual dives and swoops, with little to no wing flapping. The female may turn over and present her claws in response to the male swooping over her.
Vocalizations
Image source: Tawny Eagle by Bernard DUPONT
Tawny eagles have a variety of calls, including a loud, far-carrying, distinctive call that sounds like “Weeah kyow-kow-kow”. Duets between a breeding pair are often heard, particularly at the start of the breeding season, and facilitate a close bond between the pair. Like other eagle species, tawny eagles will display or call when under threat from solicitors or intruders.
Mating and Nesting Behaviors
Tawny eagles also communicate through their behavior during mating and nesting. For example, males and females may lock claws in flight during mating, and both parents build the nest and bring food to the offspring during the breeding season. Female tawny eagles generally incubate the eggs, occasionally assisted by males, and for the first ten days, females remain by the nest, brooding day and night, and males may also brood or shade the chicks from the sun. After seven days, females leave the chicks for extended periods, but stay near the nest to protect them, and they continue to perch near the nest for approximately forty days. At fifty days, neither males nor females are near the nest during the day, and males bring most of the food for the chicks, but may be assisted by females after fifty days. Chicks make their first flight around 84 days old and may remain in the nest for up to forty days after the first flight.
Conclusion
In summary, tawny eagles communicate through a combination of physical displays, vocalizations, and behavior during mating and nesting. These forms of communication help to establish and maintain territories, attract mates, and ensure the survival of their offspring.
References:
– Animal Diversity Web, “Aquila rapax: INFORMATION,” accessed on April 20, 2024, https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Aquila_rapax/
– “Tawny Eagle Communication,” The Spruce, accessed on April 20, 2024, https://www.thespruce.com/tawny-eagle-communication-387111
– “Tawny Eagle Behavior and Communication,” National Geographic, accessed on April 20, 2024, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/t/tawny-eagle/behavior/.
