Eagle - Steppe Eagle
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Steppe & Tawny Eagles in Tree-dble im:
Double image: Steppe Eagle (L) & Tawny Eagle (R) in tree (both images). Both were feasting on a dead elephant. It is not uncommon over carrion to find both species present. The Steppe Eagle is slightly larger and comes from the great plains of eastern europe & central Russia especially to partake of winged-termites. They have been shown to consume 1000 or more each day the termites are flying. They are known to prey also on resting birds and small mammals.[Botswana].
Steppe (L) & Tawny (R) Eagles-dbl im
Double image: Steppe (L) & Tawny (R) Eagles: The Tawny is a little smaller and lighter colored. In the subsequent images, the difference in the length of the gape (where the upper & lower jaws come together posteriorly) is the best differential between the two species. This feature will be demonstrated. [Botswana].
Double image: Steppe Eagle (only). Both these images (same bird) well demonstrate the gape extending backwards even with the posterior edge of the eye. This is an accurate means of differentiating it from the Tawny Eagle whose gape extends only to the middle of the eye. (Please see preceding captions). [Khwai, Botswana].
Another good view of the Steppe Eagle's gape. Also, the good yellowish outline of the mouth also helps. This bird is a visitor to Africa that flies all the way from the plains of Russia to feast on alates (flying phase of termites). (Pease read the text of the other images. [Khwai, Botswana].
Triple Image: The Steppe Eagle's side view (L); back of bird showing the white tips of the feathers, feathers separating, the bird teetering from a gust of wind; (ctr); (R) same bird as in 'ctr' resting on a dead branch. The gape is well-illustrated. Please see other captions for explanation of 'gape'. [Botswana].
