Tawny Eagle

Afrikaans name: Roofarend

Photo © EcoView - Fotolia.com

Aquila rapax

The Tawny Eagle is found over much of sub-Saharan Africa as long as there is suitable habitat. It prefers savanna area but there should not be too many trees. It is not against using electricity pylons as perches and nest sites if suitable trees aren't available.

Tawny Eagles prey on a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles. It has been recorded feeding on prey the size of a Springbok but normally it takes smaller stuff. They are also attracted to carrion such as road-kill.

Pairs build their nests in the tops of tall trees or occasionally electricity pylons. Up to 3 eggs are laid and these are looked after by the female. The chicks leave the nest at about 3 months old and are independent by the age of 5 months.

Tawny Eagles can weigh around 3 kg and have a wingspan of up to 1.9 metres.

References and further reading

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 70

African Birds of Prey - Author: Leslie Brown - Published: 1970 - Page: 107

African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Published: 1999 - Page: 92

An Introduction to the Birds of Prey of South Africa - Author: D.V. Prout-Jones - Published: 1974 - Page: 14

An Introduction to the Birds of Prey of South Africa - Author: D.V. Prout-Jones - Published: 1974 - Page: 102

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 63

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 73

Birds of Prey of Southern Africa - Author: Peter Steyn - Published: 1985 - Page: 67

Birds of Prey of the World - Author: Friedhelm Weick - Published: 1980 - Page: 124

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 70

Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 41

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 47

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 18

Eagle Days - Author: Peter Steyn - Published: 1973 - Page: 47

Eagles, Hawks & Falcons of the World - Author: Leslie Brown and Dean Amadon - Published: 1989 - Page: 651

Everyones Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Published: 1987 - Page: 54

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 56

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 76

Know your Birds of Prey - Author: - Published: 0 - Page: 34

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 164

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 164

Questions and Answers - Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Published: 1990 - Page: 19

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 72

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 90

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 98

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 118

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 113

Sasol Birds of Prey of Africa and its Islands - Author: Alan and Meg Kemp - Published: 1998 - Page: 80

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 92

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 96

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 16

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 52

The Status & Conservation of Birds of Prey in the Transvaal - Author: W. Tarboton and D. Allan - Published: 1984 - Page: 32

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 60

BirdLife South Africa

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