The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Steppe Eagle
Afrikaans name: Steppe-arend
Steppe Eagle
Photo © Adobe Stock
Aquila nipalensis
With a length of up to 75 cm and a wingspan of up to 2.6 metres this is definitely one large and magnificent eagle. The Steppe Eagle is a summer visitor to South Africa and is only likely to be seen between October and February. They migrate back to Europe and Asia and breed in the northern hemisphere summer.
The Steppe Eagle is somewhat similar to the Tawny Eagle which is more common in South Africa. It is dark brown with yellow on the bill. It has a dark eye, and the yellow gape of its bill extends to behind the eye. Its feet are yellow.
The Steppe Eagle has a limited range while on its summer visit to our country. It is found in a narrow band from the extreme north-east of KwaZulu-Natal, through Kruger National Park, and along our northern border as far as the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park.
Despite being a seemingly powerful bird, it mostly feeds on small things such as termites and Red-billed Queleas. It will also eat carrion and sometimes catches small mammals. It often eats on the ground, particularly when feeding on termites. The Steppe Eagle may sometimes be seen in large flocks, particularly if there is an abundance of food in the area.
Roberts Birds Names by Edition
| Edition | Roberts nr | Scientific name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 135 | Aquila nipalensis orientalis |
| 2nd | 135 | Aquila nipalensis |
| 3rd | 135 | Aquila nipalensis |
| 4th | 135 | Aquila nipalensis |
| 5th | 133 | Aquila nipalensis |
| 6th | 133 | Aquila nipalensis |
| 7th | 386 | Aquila nipalensis |
| Edition | Roberts nr | English name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 135 | Steppe Eagle |
| 2nd | 135 | Steppe Eagle |
| 3rd | 135 | Steppe Eagle |
| 4th | 135 | Steppe Eagle |
| 5th | 133 | Steppe Eagle |
| 6th | 133 | Steppe Eagle |
| 7th | 386 | Steppe Eagle |
| Edition | Roberts nr | Afrikaans name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 135 | Steppe-arend |
| 2nd | 135 | Steppe-arend |
| 3rd | 135 | Steppe-arend |
| 4th | 135 | Steppe-arend |
| 5th | 133 | Steppe-arend |
| 6th | 133 | Steppe-arend |
| 7th | 386 | Steppe-arend |
References and further reading
Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 60The Status & Conservation of Birds of Prey in the Transvaal - Author: W. Tarboton and D. Allan - Published: 1984 - Page: 35
Vanishing Eagles - Author: Philip Burton - Published: 1987 - Page: 72
Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 15
The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 53
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 98
Sasol Birds of Prey of Africa and its Islands - Author: Alan and Meg Kemp - Published: 1998 - Page: 82
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 92
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 114
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: 119
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 164
Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 158
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 91
Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 76
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 164
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 56
Eagles, Hawks & Falcons of the World - Author: Leslie Brown and Dean Amadon - Published: 1989 - Page: 644
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 18
Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 47
Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 58
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 Prey of Southern Africa - Author: Peter Steyn - Published: 1985 - Page: 73
An Introduction to the Birds of Prey of South Africa - Author: D.V. Prout-Jones - Published: 1974 - Page: 103
African Birds of Prey - Author: Leslie Brown - Published: 1970 - Page: 108
An Introduction to the Birds of Prey of South Africa - Author: D.V. Prout-Jones - Published: 1974 - Page: 14
This website features affiliate links, meaning we’ll earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.
Copyright Steven Herbert Projects, 2013 - 2024. All rights reserved.