The Tawny Eagle, Aquila rapax, is a large bird of prey that can reach impressive heights. According to the information provided, the Tawny Eagle can grow to a length of 60-75 cm (24-30 inches) and have a wingspan of 159-190 cm (63-75 inches). This makes the Tawny Eagle a sizable and impressive bird of prey.
The Tawny Eagle’s Impressive Size
The Tawny Eagle is a large bird of prey that can reach significant heights. Here are some key details about its size:
- Length: 60-75 cm (24-30 inches)
- Wingspan: 159-190 cm (63-75 inches)
- Weight: 1.6 to 3 kg (3.5 to 6.6 lb)
Compared to other eagles, the Tawny Eagle is smaller and paler than the Steppe Eagle, although it does not share the Steppe Eagle’s pale throat. Immature Tawny Eagles are less contrasted in their plumage compared to adults, but both show a range of variation in their coloration.
Tawny Eagle’s Hunting and Feeding Habits
Image source: Tawny Eagle by Bernard DUPONT
The Tawny Eagle is an opportunistic predator and scavenger. Its diet consists primarily of:
- Fresh carrion of all kinds
- Small mammals up to the size of a rabbit
- Reptiles
- Birds up to the size of guineafowl
The Tawny Eagle will also steal food from other raptors, demonstrating its adaptability and resourcefulness when it comes to finding sustenance.
Habitat and Nesting Behavior
The Tawny Eagle is a resident breeder in most of Africa, both north and south of the Sahara Desert, as well as across tropical southwestern Asia to India. It builds its nest, which can hold 1-3 eggs, in a variety of locations:
- In the branches of tall trees
- On rocky crags
- On the ground
The Tawny Eagle’s nesting behavior and habitat preferences are crucial to its survival, as changes in these factors can significantly impact the species.
Threats and Conservation Status
The Tawny Eagle faces several threats that have led to a decline in its population. Some of the key threats include:
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Habitat Loss: The decrease in the number of large, tall trees due to development has resulted in a lack of adequate nesting sites for the Tawny Eagle. The decrease in forest cover also leads to a scarcity of food, as the small animals and birds that make up the eagle’s primary diet vanish.
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Interspecific Competition: Tawny Eagles are often in competition with Kites and House Crows for food sources. This can lead to attacks and chasing from these other birds, further threatening the Tawny Eagle’s survival.
In 2018, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reclassified the Tawny Eagle as ‘Vulnerable’, indicating that the species is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future.
Conclusion
The Tawny Eagle is a remarkable bird of prey that can reach impressive heights, with a length of 60-75 cm (24-30 inches) and a wingspan of 159-190 cm (63-75 inches). Its hunting and feeding habits, as well as its nesting behavior and habitat preferences, are crucial to its survival. However, the Tawny Eagle faces significant threats, such as habitat loss and interspecific competition, which have led to a decline in its population. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the long-term survival of this majestic bird of prey.
References:
– Carnivora.net – Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)
– Down to Earth – The Tawny Eagle: A Raptor Under Threat
– The Peregrine Fund – Tawny Eagle
