Tawny Eagle

Fairly common resident. Adult either tawny with or without dark brown ‘shaggy’ mottling on the wings (a) and (b), or red-brown with dark mottling (c). Adult usually paler than [Steppe Eagle]. Immature may be gingery-brown or pale as (d); then very similar to immature of Steppe Eagle. At all ages the gape does not extend beyond the centre of the pale brown eye. Legs have a ‘baggy’ not stove-pipe look to them. In flight, the barred tail appears plain, little white in the wings and none on the upper tail coverts. No specific dark or light secondary wing edging. Most frequent in wooded game areas where it perches conspicuously on tree tops, also found in the Karoo grassland. Often seen at water holes drinking. Quite opportunistic, taking birds, reptiles, carrion, fish, insects and often scavenging from other birds such as Bateleurs or ground hornbills. Nests of sticks and grass in trees that it will frequently re-use. 1,6-3 kg.