In five years of doing education programs with the World Bird Sanctuary, there are many things that members of the general public have in common. One of those things is that people are crazy about eagles.
However, when discussing eagles in a general sense, folks here in this country often assume you are talking about Bald Eagles, or at least that is the picture they have in their heads. People tend to forget that there are over 60 species of eagles found throughout the world, many of which are quite different in both their looks and their habits from the Bald Eagle. I have been lucky enough to work with several of these eagle species in my time here, and there is one species in particular that I love to introduce to people—the Tawny Eagle.
Tawny Eagles are one of the most widespread species of eagles. They are found in parts of Europe, Asia, and most of Africa. They are a tawny brown, as one might expect, and are often described by ornithologists and common bird watchers alike as “scruffy looking.” Weights can range from 4 to 6 pounds and they have a wingspan of 5 to 5.5 feet. Tawny Eagles are part of the “booted eagle” family, like the Golden Eagles in our country. This refers to the thick feathering on their legs which extends all the way to their feet, protecting them from the bites and scratches of their prey.
One of the most interesting things about Tawny Eagles is their wide variety of hunting strategies. They will prey on creatures as small as insects and as large as flamingoes. More often, though, they get their meals by scavenging or by stealing prey from other birds, known as “kleptoparasitism.” These clever birds will go so far as to steal prey that has already been eaten! How might one do that? Well, Tawny Eagles have been blessed with a boisterous barking call, which, along with some spectacular erratic flying, can cause even the bravest vulture to defend itself by throwing up its tasty carcass meal. Then it’s three cheers for a hot lunch!
Max was the first Tawny Eagle I met at the Sanctuary as an intern. He was a larger bird than the others I had handled, and a little intimidating. After spending some time with him, though, he quickly became one of my favorites because of his unique personality. While birds of prey are not friendly in any way, they do all have their own quirks, likes, and dislikes. Max is a particularly curious bird. This trait makes him a great teacher for new bird handlers learning the lesson of "what is your space and what is your bird’s space!" Anything in Max’s space is fair game to become a chew toy…hat brims, hood strings, hair, etc.
Max has a sibling named Diablo, who I'd had little chance to work with until recently. Diablo went with my co-workers and me to the Milwaukee County Zoo to do shows there this past summer. It was Diablo’s rookie flying season. As always with a rookie, there was a lot of excitement, some creative trouble-shooting, and some scary moments; but in the end, great success! Diablo was a rock star flyer, impressing audiences with his speed and wing span alike. While he certainly is “his own bird,” so to speak, I was so pleased that he also had many of the curious qualities I loved in Max. What I found out was that I really just love Tawny Eagles in general!
Natural histories on these birds describe them as a generally quiet species, except in instances of aggression, courtship displays, and making vultures barf. This is NOT the case with our Tawnies. If you begin your visit to the World Bird Sanctuary at the Visitor’s Information Center, you may be greeted by the strange, persistent barking of Max in the Weathering Area, especially if one of the Naturalists he knows is in his sight. This is often how folks are first captivated by him and immediately want to know more. Diablo, who is currently on vacation from his long summer, resides at our Education Training Center which is not generally open to the public. However, both Max and Diablo are up for adoption through our Adopt-A-Bird program. For more information about this important program and the special visiting privileges that can be scheduled for you and your adopted feathered friend, please call 636-225-4390 ex. 0 or speak with a Naturalist during your visit. Max the welcome wagon will be waiting for you!
Submitted by Dana Lambert, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist
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