Steppe Eagle Nest Discovered in Altyn-Emel National Park

A nest belonging to the rare steppe eagle has been found in the Bassh forestry area, Orda.kz reports.

The species is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan and is protected as a rare bird.

According to the national park’s staff, steppe eagles typically nest in steppes, semi-deserts, or plains. Their nests may be placed directly on the ground or elevated on bushes and rocks, often lined with twigs, grass, or animal fur.

The female usually lays one to three eggs. The incubation period is 43–45 days. At this stage, the female mainly sits on the eggs, and the male brings her food. The chicks hatch one after another, not at the same time. The first chick to hatch is usually the strongest, and the weak one may sometimes not survive,  the Altyn-Emel National Park said.

The chicks are expected to fledge and leave the nest within 45–55 days, during which the parents will feed them small mammals, birds, or reptiles. Even after leaving the nest, the young birds remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.

Original Author: Oksana Matvienko