Eagle ID- South Africa (1 Viewer)

[ddave07]

A few months ago I was in Kruger National Park in South Africa. One evening, I managed to get a picture of this eagle perched on a branch, near Timbavati, however I am unsure of its ID. I was wondering if it was either Tawny Eagle or a Steppe Eagle or perhaps something else?

Many thanks

DD

 

[Butty]

If I believe the gape-length (reaching only mid-eye), and given that it looks too beefy for Wahlberg's eagle and lesser spotted eagle... it's a tawny eagle,

 

[Andy Adcock]

If I believe the gape-length (reaching only mid-eye), and given that it looks too beefy for Wahlberg's eagle and lesser spotted eagle... it's a tawny eagle,

Agree but Steppe could still be in the frame?

Looking at 'Beaman and Madge' and they don't describe perched birds at all which is disappointing.

 

[Butty]

Steppe could still be in the frame?

Apparently not: gape-length (as I said) (unless Sasol edn 3 is wrong).

 

[Andy Adcock]

Apparently not: gape-length (as I said) (unless Sasol edn 3 is wrong).

B+M illustrations would support that.

 

[tconzemi]

Some more points why it is a Tawny as Butty said:
Large bill versus a bit smaller in Steppe and much smaller in LSE and Wahlberg's
Long nostril versus shorter in Wahlberg's and round in LSE
Gape to mid-eye, longer but mainly much fleshier in Steppe
Honey-coloured iris versus dark in Steppe and yellow in adult LSE
Well proportioned versus big body with smaller head and bill in Steppe

 

[ddave07]

thank you everyone for your response, much appreciated