Tawny Eagle

The Tawny Eagle is a widespread eagle of savanna and semi-arid open country in Africa and parts of Asia, notable for the considerable variation in plumage tone found between individuals of the same species.

Tawny Eagle plumage is highly variable between individuals, ranging from pale sandy-tawny through rufous-brown to dark blackish-brown, generally lacking the bold white patches, banding, or strong contrast seen in many other eagle species - an overall plain appearance is itself a useful identification clue when combined with range and size. The nape is often somewhat paler than the rest of the body. Flight feathers are broad with strongly fingered tips typical of Aquila eagles, showing only faint barring visible in good light, and the tail is moderately long with subtle banding.

Color variation among individuals is considerable and largely independent of age or sex, though juveniles tend to be paler and show more contrast than older adults, which can appear more uniformly dark. Sexes look alike, with females larger. Adults undergo a slow, sequential molt of flight feathers.

Tawny Eagles favor open savanna, semi-desert, and grassland across sub-Saharan Africa, with a related population extending into parts of Asia. Most populations are resident, though some individuals make local movements tracking food availability, particularly around large herbivore herds.

This species is an opportunistic hunter and scavenger, taking a wide range of prey from small mammals to birds, and readily gathering at carcasses alongside vultures. The call is a harsh, barking series of notes given mainly near the nest. Nests are large stick structures built in trees, often in relatively open, exposed situations. Population declines are linked to habitat degradation and poisoning incidents in parts of its range.