Steppe Eagle

Category: Environment & Ecology — Birds / Conservation

  • Scientific name: Aquila nipalensis
  • A large bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family.
  • It is primarily associated with open grasslands, steppes and semi-desert regions.
  • It is a migratory raptor, with populations moving between breeding and wintering grounds.
  • The species occurs across parts of Eurasia and Africa during its annual movements.
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered.
  • Major threats include habitat loss, electrocution, poisoning and changes in prey availability.
  • In India, it can be observed mainly during its winter migration.

Key Pointer: Steppe Eagle → Aquila nipalensis → Endangered → Migratory raptor.