Tawny eagle. Head of a tawny eagle (Aquila rapax rapax). This bird is found throughout most of Africa south of Morocco, inhabiting mountains and wooded savanna. It is a large bird, growing to 70 centimetres in length. It feeds on small to mid- sized mammals, birds, insects and carrion. It will also steal live prey from other predators. It is unusual among eagles, as it hunts on the ground as well as on the wing.