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Tawny
Eagle |
Aquila
rapax |
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29th
Mar, 2007 |
| Possible
regional races (polytypic)
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| -A. r. vindhiana |
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| Aquila rapax vindhiana |
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It is found throughout the greater part of India, except the more
moist and wooded portions. It is unknown on the Malabar Coast, and
in Lower Bengal, and does not extend into the Indo-Chinese countries.
It prefers the dry open plains, and cultivated land, especially if
there are hills near. It is rather rare in the Carnatic, but very
abundant in the Deccan, in Central India, and the upper plains of
India above Monghyr. Till an hour or two after sunrise it may be seen
seated on the top of some tree, and in the very centre, and nearly
concealed from view; after which it sallies forth, sailing about at
a moderate height over the fields, valleys, and ravines, or circling
high in the air with kites, vultures, and other birds of prey. It
frequently enters cantonments and villages, and carries off chickens,
ducklings, or other poultry. It feeds occasionally on hares, partridges,
and other game; also on rats, lizards, snakes, and even insects; and
will always descend to the fresh carcase of a sheep. It, however,
subsists habitually by robbing kites, falcons, and other birds of
prey of their earnings; and may often be seen pursuing a kite with
great impetuosity, and always succeeds in getting the desired morsel.
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