The Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) primarily inhabits grassy steppes and semi-desert areas, characterized by open landscapes, flat plains, arid grassland, semi-desert, and desert edge. This species is known for its preference for treeless environments and its adaptability to various climates and regions.
The Steppe Eagle’s Preferred Habitat
Steppe Eagles are found in four major countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China. Their breeding habitat is typically characterized by the following features:
- Grassy Steppes: Steppe Eagles thrive in open, treeless grassland areas, where they can easily spot and hunt their prey.
- Semi-Desert Regions: These eagles also inhabit semi-arid zones, where the vegetation is sparse and the landscape is dominated by low-growing plants.
- Flat Plains: Steppe Eagles prefer flat, open terrain, which allows them to soar and scan the ground for potential prey.
- Arid Grassland: These eagles can be found in arid grassland areas, where the vegetation is adapted to the dry conditions.
- Desert Edge: Steppe Eagles may also inhabit the edges of desert regions, where they can find suitable nesting sites and access to food sources.
During the breeding season, Steppe Eagles tend to avoid agricultural land but may nest near roads, taking advantage of the open landscape.
Wintering Habitat
Image source: Steppe Eagle by Fimb
When it comes to their wintering grounds, Steppe Eagles often inhabit human-modified areas to access easy food sources. These include:
- Landfills: Steppe Eagles may visit landfills and waste disposal sites to scavenge for food.
- Livestock Carcass Dumps: These eagles may also congregate around areas where livestock carcasses are discarded, providing them with a reliable food source.
In addition to these human-modified habitats, Steppe Eagles may also winter in more natural areas, such as:
- Wetlands: Steppe Eagles may use various wetlands or other waterways during the winter months.
- Savanna and Grasslands: These eagles may also be found in savanna and grassland habitats during the non-breeding season.
- Dry Woodland: Steppe Eagles may occasionally use dry woodland areas as part of their wintering grounds.
- Mountain Slopes: These eagles may also utilize mountain slopes and other upland areas during the winter.
- Old Fields and Orchards: Steppe Eagles may sometimes be observed in abandoned fields and orchards during the non-breeding season.
Prey and Feeding Habits
Steppe Eagles are carnivorous and primarily prey on small-sized mammals, such as:
- Ground squirrels
- Voles
- Pikas
- Zokors
- Marmots
- Hares
- Gerbils
- Hedgehogs
They also occasionally feed on birds, reptiles, and insects, including:
- Queleas (a type of small bird)
- Termites
- Locusts
During the breeding season, Steppe Eagles focus on their specialized prey, such as ground squirrels, while in the non-breeding season, they exhibit a more opportunistic feeding behavior, taking advantage of various food sources, including insect swarms, semi-altricial young of other animals, and carrion.
Conclusion
The Steppe Eagle’s habitat is characterized by its preference for open, treeless landscapes, including grassy steppes, semi-desert regions, flat plains, arid grassland, and desert edges. During the breeding season, they avoid agricultural land but may nest near roads, while in the winter, they often inhabit human-modified areas, such as landfills and livestock carcass dumps, to access easy food sources. Understanding the Steppe Eagle’s habitat requirements is crucial for the conservation and management of this species, which faces various threats, including habitat loss, hunting, and poisoning.
