Uri, Steppe Eagle
Latin Name
Aquila nipalensis
Family
Accipitridae
LIFE SPAN
Wild: Precise lifespan data for wild Steppe eagles is limited. They are thought to live for around 20–30 years if they survive the considerable dangers faced by young and migrating birds.
Captivity: Steppe eagles can live for approximately 40 years when provided with suitable accommodation, nutrition and veterinary care. The recognised longevity record for a captive Steppe eagle is 41 years.
Body size
Steppe eagles are large, broad-winged birds of prey with powerful bodies and fully feathered legs. Females are generally larger and heavier than males.
- Weight: Males approximately 2–3.5kg (4.4–7.7 lb); females approximately 2.3–4.9kg (5.1–10.8 lb).
- Height/body length: Approximately 62–81cm (24–32 in).
- Wingspan: Approximately 165–214cm (5 ft 5 in–7 ft).
Their broad wings allow them to soar efficiently for long periods while using rising columns of warm air called thermals.
Native habitat
Steppe eagles breed across an extensive area stretching from southeastern Europe and southern Russia through Kazakhstan and Central Asia to Mongolia and northern China.
As their name suggests, they are primarily birds of open steppe. Their breeding habitats include:
- Open grassland
- Dry steppe
- Semi-desert
- Agricultural plains
- Rocky foothills
- Open mountain plateaux
They require large areas of open ground where they can locate small mammals. Nests were traditionally constructed on the ground, rocky outcrops or low bushes. However, Steppe eagles increasingly use trees, electricity pylons and other artificial structures where natural nesting sites are limited.
Most Steppe eagles migrate south for the winter. Depending on where they breed, they may travel to the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, sub-Saharan Africa, India or parts of southern and southeastern Asia.
Diet
Steppe eagles are carnivorous, opportunistic feeders. Their diet changes depending on the season and the food available.
Their prey can include:
- Ground squirrels and other burrowing rodents
- Voles, pikas and gerbils
- Young hares
- Small and medium-sized birds
- Lizards and snakes
- Large insects, including locusts and termites
- Carrion
During the breeding season, ground squirrels—sometimes called susliks—are particularly important. Steppe eagles watch from a perch or soar above open ground before dropping down to capture them.
During migration and winter, they become more reliant on carrion and insects. Large numbers may gather around animal carcasses, rubbish dumps or termite swarms where food is plentiful. They may also steal food from other birds of prey.
Get to know Uri
Uri came to Coda Falconry from another collection and was in poor condition when he arrived, with a serious infection in his feet and badly damaged wing and tail feathers. Following plenty of treatment, rehabilitation and dedicated care, he now confidently soars around Hobbledown and will even take himself home when he decides he has had enough!
Uri also flies to guests during our experience days and is extremely food-motivated, making him an enthusiastic and entertaining member of the team.
Fun Fact!
Steppe eagles are among the world’s great migratory birds of prey. Some travel more than 10,000km between their breeding and wintering grounds, crossing numerous countries during a single journey.
Rather than using constant powered flight, they gain height by circling inside rising thermals before gliding towards the next column of warm air. This saves energy but also encourages them to follow land around large bodies of water, creating spectacular gatherings at migration bottlenecks around the Red Sea, the Middle East and Central Asia.
Satellite-tracked birds have travelled between Kazakhstan and southern Africa, with one recorded annual journey, including movements around its wintering grounds, covering more than 20,000km.