Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis)

Tosca is a female Steppe Eagle and arrived at the centre in January 2007. She was bred in Scotland in 2001. After allowing her to moult (change her feathers) through the summer of 2007, she has been trained and is now flying free (7/02/08) at the centre and has also been used for educational visits at schools.

In January 2008 we also acquired a male Steppe Eagle ('Eddie'), he has been flown at displays previously but we will now re-train him with us. 

IN THE WILD

Origin: Breeds in central Asia, migrates to Africa and India in the winter.

Diet: Small to medium-sized mammals, some birds and reptiles, insects (mostly in the winter) and frequently carrion. Some birds when in Africa follow the rains and are present when the termites emerge, these form a large part of the diet.

Habitat: Breeds in open dry country, typically steppe, flat plains, arid grasslands and semi-desert. In winter, inhabits mostly grassland and savannah in Africa, but in south Asia seems to prefer more wooded areas.