One of my favourite big birds. This Steppe Eagle is a captive bird, it is a massive heavy eagle of Asia. They vary in length between 66 - 79 cm. The males have a wingspan of 180 cm and weigh upto 3,100g. The females have a much larger wingspan of 200cm and weigh in the region of 3,900g. The captive birds are known to have a life expectancy of 40 years. 

The Steppe Eagle are only found in North Russia and North West of the Caspian Sea and Central Asia towards Mongolia. The birds from Western Asia tend to migrate to Eastern and Southern Africa, and birds further east spend the winter months in India and surrounding countries.

They feed on small mammals, though when they become scarce are known to kill birds.

They look magnificent and are flown regularly at the International Centre for Birds of Prey at Duncombe Park, Helmsley, North Yorkshire.