Steppe eagle

The steppe eagle is a big, powerful bird of prey with feathers running down its legs like built-in boots. It was once thought to be the same species as the tawny eagle, but scientists now recognize them as separate due to clear physical differences. These eagles soar over open landscapes, using their sharp eyesight to spot meals from above.

• Its feathered legs place it in the 'booted eagles' subgroup.
• Scientists debated whether it was the same species as the tawny eagle.
• Genetic studies confirm it's distinct but disagree on how closely related they are.