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Lone, rare migratory eagle sighted in Andhra Pradesh
Why in news?
- A lone endangered steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) has been sighted by a group of birdwatchers in a paddy field near Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh.
- This is the second time that steppe eagle has been sighted in the State in the past two decades.
More in news
- Exploration Need: The sighting of the endangered species highlights the need for exploration of the diversity of avian life in the State.
- Threat: Conversion of open habitats for aquaculture, pesticides and various effluents pose threat to the species.
- Avian Surveys: The find emphasises the need for extensive avian surveys in the landscapes within and outside the protected areas in the State.
- About the Steppe Eagle:
(1) Conservation status: Endangered
(2) The call of the steppe eagle sounds like a crow barking, but it is rather a silent bird.
(3) The steppe eagle's diet is largely fresh carrion of all kinds, but it will kill rodents and other small mammals up to the size of a hare, and birds up to the size of partridges. It will also steal food from other raptors.
(4) Like other species, the steppe eagle has a crop in its throat allowing it to store food for several hours before being moved to the stomach.
(5) Steppe eagle is believed to be the second-largest migratory eagle species to India.
(6) In winter, steppe eagle breeds in Russia, Kazakhstan, & Mongolia.
(8) The Steppe Eagle appears on the flag of Kazakhstan. It is also the National bird (animal) of Egypt and appears on its flag.
Sources
The Hindu