The Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) is a large bird of prey that inhabits a wide range of habitats, particularly favoring arid climates. They are found in Africa, southern Russia, Mongolia, India, and parts of the Middle East. Tawny Eagles tend to avoid dense forests and prefer open dry habitats such as deserts, steppes, open grasslands, savannas, and mountainous regions.
Tawny Eagle’s Preferred Habitat
Tawny Eagles have a strong preference for open dry habitats, such as:
- Deserts
- Steppes
- Open grasslands
- Savannas
- Mountainous regions
They tend to avoid dense forests and prefer areas with ephemeral rainfall during the wet season for nesting. In southern Africa, they are often found in thornveld, particularly stands of Acacia, and avoid extreme desert areas and humid tropical rainforests. In India, they may occur in the vicinity of villages and cultivations, frequented garbage dumps and slaughterhouses, and around thorn forests.
Nesting Preferences
Image source: Tawny Eagle by Bernard DUPONT
Tawny Eagles are largely sedentary and non-migratory, but in Africa, they can engage in some seasonal movements. In West Africa, they breed often in relatively moist forest-savanna mosaics but can move into dry woodlands and semi-deserts when not breeding. In Morocco, they prefer forested areas near mountains with adjacent plains.
Tawny Eagles have a strong preference for tree nesting and require the availability of ephemeral rainfall during the wet season for nesting. They are known to build their nests on tall trees, cliffs, or man-made structures, such as electricity pylons or communication towers.
Feeding Habits
Tawny Eagles are generalist carnivores and will eat a variety of prey, including:
- Insects
- Carrion
- Small animals, such as rodents
They are the only type of eagle that scavenges from humans regularly and are well known for robbing prey from other raptors, even birds much larger than they are. Nest predation by crows occurs more regularly in the nests of tawny eagles than in other species, possibly due to the openness of the nest site.
Predators and Threats
When Tawny Eagles reach adult size, they probably do not have many predators, if any at all. However, their nests may be vulnerable to predation by crows and other opportunistic predators.
Tawny Eagles face various threats, including:
- Habitat loss and degradation due to human activities, such as urbanization, agriculture, and overgrazing
- Persecution by humans, particularly in areas where they are perceived as a threat to livestock
- Poisoning and electrocution from power lines and other infrastructure
Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the Tawny Eagle’s preferred habitat and ensure the long-term survival of this impressive raptor.
Conclusion
The Tawny Eagle is a remarkable bird of prey that thrives in the arid landscapes of Africa, southern Russia, Mongolia, India, and parts of the Middle East. Their preference for open dry habitats, such as deserts, steppes, and savannas, and their unique feeding and nesting behaviors make them an integral part of these ecosystems. Understanding and preserving the Tawny Eagle’s preferred habitat is crucial for the conservation of this species and the maintenance of the delicate balance of these arid environments.
References:
- Aquila rapax (Tawny Eagle) – Avibase: https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?avibaseid=335F0D557C2031A1
- Tawny eagle – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio: https://animalia.bio/tawny-eagle/1000
- ADW: Aquila rapax: INFORMATION – Animal Diversity Web: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Aquila_rapax/
- Tawny Eagle – Facts, Diet & Habitat Information – Animal Corner: https://animalcorner.org/animals/tawny-eagle/
- Steppe eagle – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppe_eagle
