A Steppe Eagle resting on a small mound in the morning
A majestic and powerful eagle and one of the larger raptors found in the country. A full grown adult eagle maybe around 80-90 cms tall with a wingspan of around ~6-8 feet. These weigh around 3-4.5 kgs - maybe 50-60% heavier than a Greater Spotted Eagle which is the common large raptor we see in our state..
We sighted 4 of them in a sq km area, roosting and waiting for the sun to heat up the place. I found them impressive looking, - majestic, fearless and with a muscular / bouncer kind of look. The birds probably had roosted on these mounds the whole night. The birds are scavengers and sometimes claim kill from other birds like the Falcons, harriers etc..., but also hunt reptiles, mammals like Fox, the young ones of Deer/ Antelopes, Ducks and Geese. They have few natural enemies, but I suspect Wolves could take these birds down - and that area has a few wolves.
These are national birds of Kazakhstan and are migratory to India during winters. They are very rare in my state, but common in the place I visited.
Thanks in advance for your wonderful feedback and likes.
A Steppe Eagle resting on a small mound in the morning
A majestic and powerful eagle and one of the larger raptors found in the country. A full grown adult eagle maybe around 80-90 cms tall with a wingspan of around ~6-8 feet. These weigh around 3-4.5 kgs - maybe 50-60% heavier than a Greater Spotted Eagle which is the common large raptor we see in our state..
We sighted 4 of them in a sq km area, roosting and waiting for the sun to heat up the place. I found them impressive looking, - majestic, fearless and with a muscular / bouncer kind of look. The birds probably had roosted on these mounds the whole night. The birds are scavengers and sometimes claim kill from other birds like the Falcons, harriers etc..., but also hunt reptiles, mammals like Fox, the young ones of Deer/ Antelopes, Ducks and Geese. They have few natural enemies, but I suspect Wolves could take these birds down - and that area has a few wolves.
These are national birds of Kazakhstan and are migratory to India during winters. They are very rare in my state, but common in the place I visited.
Thanks in advance for your wonderful feedback and likes.