How much do you know about the majestic tawny eagle?

Posted by Anita Froneman on 23 September 2021

The tawny eagle is arguably one of the most majestic birds in Africa. This orange-brown bird of prey is impressive in size, measuring up to 72 cm in length and can weigh over two kilograms. It has a large wingspan measuring up to 1.85 metres, according to Animal Corner, and females are typically larger than males but otherwise have no other distinctive features.

Here are some other interesting facts about the tawny eagle.

Credit: Clifton Beard

-They are diurnal, meaning active by day, sleeping at night.

-They are monogamous and usually pair for life, occupying the same general area for years (they don’t migrate).

-They occur in dry areas like semideserts and deserts or savanna plains.

Credit: Lip Kee

-They breed in most of Africa, and also occur across tropical southwestern Asia and in some parts of the Middle East.

-Females lay up to three eggs that hatch after being incubated for 39 – 45 days.

-Siblings killing each other are not uncommon, and only one or two hatchlings may make it to adulthood.

Credit: Chris Eason

What do they actually eat?

Tawny eagles are predators, but also opportunistic scavengers. Therefore, they will feast on anything from insects to smaller birds, rabbits and small reptiles, or fresh carrion.

Credit: Unsplash

They have extremely well-developed eyesight, and can spot prey from very far away. They then swoop in with lightning-speed dives and dig into their prey with their sharp talons.

Tawny eagles do not face immediate danger and are classed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List.

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