Eagle ID from Al Ain, UAE, 23.09.2020. (1 Viewer)

[peterarras]

Hi all,
Saw this Eagle few minutes ago, roaring high above me!
Any idea, what it could be?
Thanks in advance.
Cheers
Peter

 

[tconzemi]

my guess is Steppe

 

[Deb Burhinus]

Only an idea - it looks like a Greater Spotted Eagle but moulting so not sure (I could be making a bit a a ‘clanga’ ? )

 

[Deb Burhinus]

my guess is Steppe

That was my first thought but checked a range map for UAE and it didnt appear to be in range for the UAE- perhaps i looked at the wrong map! (I did apparently!)However, I would like to know why this isn’t a GSE - the wings look look quite broad and relatively short and compact in some of the shots with a relatively short 7th p and short tail - I honestly don’t know what can be ascertained from the plumage? I’m not saying I disagree with Steppe but would like to know how GSE can be ruled out for sure.

 

[tconzemi]

I’m not saying I disagree with Steppe but would like to know how GSE can be ruled out for sure.

I'm not saying it is a Steppe as GSE has similar square looking wings, it just was my first impression and I guess in these pictures you can not go further than a first impression, GSE is well possible

 

[Deb Burhinus]

, it just was my first impression

It was mine (until it wasn’t) so probably you are right - (I’m just being awkward )

 

[andyb39]

That was my first thought but checked a range map for UAE and it didnt appear to be in range for the UAE- perhaps i looked at the wrong map! (I did apparently!)However, I would like to know why this isn’t a GSE - the wings look look quite broad and relatively short and compact in some of the shots with a relatively short 7th p and short tail - I honestly don’t know what can be ascertained from the plumage? I’m not saying I disagree with Steppe but would like to know how GSE can be ruled out for sure.

Steppe does occur but is scarce. GSE is far more likely.

 

[MJB]

Steppe does occur but is scarce. GSE is far more likely.

Somewhat further south for Steppe Eagles:

https://osme.org/2019/11/globally-important-number-of-steppe-eagles-discovered-in-saudi-arabia/

MJB

 

[mummymonkey]

Somewhat further south for Steppe Eagles:

https://osme.org/2019/11/globally-important-number-of-steppe-eagles-discovered-in-saudi-arabia/

MJB

Sad to read that. When I lived in Saudi Arabia Eastern Province in the early 90s, steppe eagle was by far the commonest eagle on passage and 2 or 3 wintered every year near my compound.