Tawny Eagles

Tawny Eagles derive their name from the color of their feathers, a subtle rusty brown. 

Juvenile Tawny Eagle (photo: the wikipedia files)

They can be found in eastern and southern Africa but also in southern Asia.  They are scavengers, mostly eating things that are already dead.  However, they have been seen catching prey up to the size of large rabbits.  They also often steal food from other birds, such as storks and hornbills. 

Tawny Eagle feeding on roadkill (photo: the wikipedia files)

Tawny Eagles are smaller than most old-world vulture species, and eat the same food.  Often times the vultures will find carrion first.  Tawny Eagles will wait for the vultures to eat, and then drive them away by repeatedly flying and “barking” at them (their call does sound like a dog barking).  Once the vultures are scared, they will vomit to be light enough to fly away.  Tawny Eagles then use this opportunity to devour the vomit as a warm “fresh” meal. 

During the dry season in Africa they build very large flat nests for raising their young.  This nest will be used for many years.  They usually lay two eggs, which take a little over a month to hatch.  Usually only one of the chicks survives. 

In the wild, a Tawny Eagle will live for upwards of sixteen years.  In captivity we can usually about double their lifespan. 

Diablo - Watch for him in Milwaukee next summer (photo: Gay Schroer)

Max and Diablo, the two Tawny Eagles here at the World Bird Sanctuary, were raised in captivity for educational purposes.  You can usually find Max in the weathering area behind the visitors’ center if he is not traveling to one of out outreach programs in the area.  Diablo can be seen at the Milwaukee County Zoo during the summers flying in our Bird of Prey shows.

In the wild Tawny Eagles are a common sight, and are listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. At this time the species seems to be doing well and there are no specific conservation efforts for them.

Max is one of the most photogenic birds at WBS (photo: Gay Schroer)

The next time you visit the World Bird Sanctuary look for Max in the weathering area.  You may get lucky enough to see him playing with his tennis balls or hear him barking at someone or something he perceives to be a threat within his territorial boundaries. 

And don’t let the plain brown feathers fool you…Tawny Eagles are one of the most photogenic birds at WBS.  Be sure to bring your cameras. 

As with all our animals, Max and Diablo are available for adoption as part of our Adopt A Bird Program.

Submitted by Mike Cerutti, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist/Trainer

Quite a Pair

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

Water Play

On a hot summer day our birds are like kids playing in the backyard sprinkler.

Here are some "before" and "after" photos.

Meet Chrys, our magnificent Long Crested Eagle!  OK--so let's see how YOU look right after stepping out of the shower!

Max, our Tawny Eagle seems to be able to look stately whether he's wet or dry.

Then there's Skyler, the Lizzard Buzzard, who manages to look "cute" no matter what he does!

Come out and meet these three characters in our weathering area.  They always have a tub of water available for impromptu bathing sessions.