Scientific Name: Aquila nipalensis
Malay Name: Helang Gurun
Chinese Name: 草原雕
Range: Found from southeast Europe to central Asia, Indian subcontinent, northwest China, Mongolia and central Siberia with the northern populations wintering to Africa, Middle East, Indian subcontinent, southern China and mainland Southeast Asia
Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: orientalis, nipalensis.
Local Subspecies: nipalensis
Size: 76-80 cm
Identification: Adult resembles Eastern Imperial Eagle but slightly duller, lacks the prominent white markings on upper scapulars and has a small rufous-buff neck patch, paler throat and dark undertail-coverts. Juvenile also resembles juvenile Eastern Imperial Eagle but lacks the dark streaks on nape, neck, breast and wing coverts. Underwing flight pattern of juvenile also shows broad whitish wingbar between coverts and flight feathers.
Similar looking species: Greater Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle
Habitat: Reclaimed land and open country.
Behaviour/Ecology: Takes carrion.
Local Status: Vagrant
Conservation Status: Endangered (BirdLife International 2021)
Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Steppe Eagle)
References:
BirdLife International. (2021). Aquila nipalensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T22696038A205452572.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023
Jeyarajasingam, A., & Pearson, A. (2012). A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Oxford University Press.
Lim, K. S. (2009). The Avifauna of Singapore. Nature Society (Singapore).
Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.
RECOMMENDED CITATION
Bird Society of Singapore. (n.d.). Steppe Eagle. Retrieved on November 7, 2024 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/steppe-eagle.