149. Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)

Tawny Eagles are closely related to Steppe Eagles and look quite similar, however they are slightly smaller and chunkier and generally paler. Their wings and tail have no black trailing edge and are densely but finely barred, which appears indistinct compared to Steppe Eagles' heavier barring. Tawny Eagles also have a paler iris and the bill's yellow gape extends less far back. The juvenile plumage is also similar to Steppe Eagle but much paler and without the thick white band on the underwing. Tawny Eagles are found in small areas of Morocco and Algeria, and are more widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. Their preferred habitat is mountains, woodland, savanna, semi-desert and steppe plains.

Tawny Eagle, ©Lip Kee, via Flickr Creative Commons.

Tawny Eagle painting.

Again, colours a bit all over the place and proportions not too great either....hopefully I will improve once I get back into the swing of things (or just pick birds that aren't flying, heh).