Steppe Gyreagle
The Steppe Gyreagle is a large bird of prey found throughout The Steppe and in more hospitable regions of The Great Equatorial Desert. They can be found as far north as the Northern Wastelands.
The Steppe Gyreagle is a powerful and very fast flyer, able to reach over 200 miles per hour (322 kph) in a dive and over 90 miles per hour (145 kph) in level flight. It is also an intelligent bird, very trainable, and so it is the favored bird for falconry among the noble and royal clans of The Steppe People. A symbol of power, speed, and intelligence, the likeness of a Steppe Eagle appears on the flags and heraldry of all of the desert and steppe kingdoms, Da Therasti Okku, Da Nis Grissyond Okku, and Da Azmi Grissyund Okku.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Steppe Gyreagle is a large raptor, very similar in appearance to a Golden Eagle (and possibly descended from them), but larger and with prominent white markings on its plumage, especially on its tail, underside, and the outer part of its wings. The largest individuals weighing well over 20 lbs. (9 kg), and having a wingspan of over 10 feet (3 m).
Genetics and Reproduction
Steppe Gyreagles lay two to five eggs once a year early in the spring. Most build nests of sticks, grass, feathers, and bits of fur on cliffs or high up in large trees, but some individuals with territories in the heart of the Steppe nest on the ground in hidden natural hollows that they line with grass, feathers, and fur. Most nest in the Central Hills (Sen Okii) or the West Hills (Nis Okii) in the southern part of the Steppe.
Growth Rate & Stages
Steppe Gyreagle eggs hatch after about 45 days, and the young eagles are ready for their first flight about 90 days after they hatch. Usually only one to three of the eaglets reaches maturity. They are fully mature after about two years.
Ecology and Habitats
Steppe Gyreagles usually are seen soaring high above the grasslands of The Steppe and more hospitable northern and western parts of The Great Equatorial Desert and even in the Northern Wastelands . Their keen senses of eyesight and smell allow them to spot prey and find water from incredible distances - even several miles. Steppe Gyreagles from the northern reaches of the Steppe and the Northern Wastelands migrate south during the winter and makes their nests in the Central Hills (Sen Okii), returning to their home territories after the first flights and independence of their young.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Steppe Gyreagles hunt and eat a variety of smaller animals on the Steppe, but sometimes take down larger game, like antelope, gazelle, and even small bison. Unlike other raptors, Steppe Gyreagles, especially mating pairs, sometimes cooperate in hunting larger animals.
Biological Cycle
Steppe Gyreagles reach full maturity and are ready to find a mate when they are about two years old. Like many eagles, they typically have a single mate for life. Those kept for falconry can live for as much as 30 to 40 years, but in the wild, they probably live on average 15 to 20 years.
Additional Information
Domestication
Many Steppe Gyreagles are kept for falconry by nobles and royals of The Steppe People. They are quite likely the fastest and most powerful flyers of any bird species on Derkomai, and they are quite intelligent. Young Gyreagles taken from their nests (a difficult and dangerous undertaking) and raised to adulthood form strong bonds with their owner or handler.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Like other eagles, the Steppe Gyreagle has exceptional eyesight, able to spot prey from very far away. It is said that they can see a small mouse from more than 3 miles (5 km) distance. They also have keen senses of hearing and smell.
Steppe Gyreagle by Peter Nelson (Zero Sum Games)
A Steppe Gyreagle
Lifespan
15 to 20 years in the wild, up to 40 years in captivity
Conservation Status
As a large bird of prey with an extensive hunting territory, there is not a huge number of Steppe Gyreagles, but they are relatively commonly seen and are not in any danger of extinction.
Average Height
36 inches (92 cm)
Average Weight
18 lbs (8 kg)
Average Length
Wingspan averages 9 feet (275 cm)
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Plumage is generally brown with prominent patches of white on the tail, outer wings, and underside. The beak is yellow with a black tip. The feet are yellow, with long, razor-sharp talons. The legs are covered with feathers.
Geographic Distribution
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