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.

Roberts Birds Names by Edition

Edition	Roberts nr	Scientific name
1st	134	Aquila rapax rapax
2nd	134	Aquila rapax
3rd	134	Aquila rapax
4th	134	Aquila rapax
5th	132	Aquila rapax
6th	132	Aquila rapax
7th	387	Aquila rapax

Edition	Roberts nr	English name
1st	134	Tawny Eagle
2nd	134	Tawny Eagle
3rd	134	Tawny Eagle
4th	134	Tawny Eagle
5th	132	Tawny Eagle
6th	132	Tawny Eagle
7th	387	Tawny Eagle

Edition	Roberts nr	Afrikaans name
1st	134	Roof-arend
2nd	134	Kouvoel
3rd	134	Kouvoel
4th	134	Kouvoel
5th	132	Roofarend
6th	132	Roofarend
7th	387	Roofarend

References and further reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 158

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BirdLife South Africa

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List of South African Birds