Snow Eagle

Snow Eagle is a bird species that lives in high in the Rand Mountains. Its name comes from the fact that it has completely white feathers which allow it to blend in with the snow. By the Snow People the eagle is considered as a bird of their god, the Snow Father.

I was lost in a blizzard and then a snow eagle appeared and guided me to the nearest settlement. Thank you, Snow Father
— A traveller

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Snow Eagles reproduce through eggs. Most of the time a female lays 3 to 5 eggs which hatch after about a month. Throughout that period the eggs need to be kept warm. Most of the time the female does that by sitting on them, but she also places the nest deep inside a cave and covers the eggs with leaves. It is done to allow the female to leave the nest and hunt as males don't stay until the eggs hatch.

Ecology and Habitats

The eagles live high in the mountains and make their nests inside caves. However, they can often be seen down in the valleys where they go to hunt.

When you see a nest and a single pile of bones in a cave, leave at once. It means you stumbled upon a Snow Eagle's cave and they really don't like trespassers
— A warning for a traveller

Dietary Needs and Habits

Snow Eagles are predatory carnivores. They hunt all kinds of small mammals such as mice, squirrels, rabbits and many others. Some people claim that they have seen a group of Snow Eagles cooperating to kill a bigger animal, but these claims were never confirmed. Most of the time the eagles are seen as solitary creatures.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Snow Eagles are solitary creatures and get in pairs only for the purpose of mating. However, only the female stays with the eggs until the hatch. Later, she takes care of the young for about 3 years before they are capable of surviving on their own.

Domestication

Some hunters tried to domesticate Snow Eagles, or at least make them more cooperative, to use in hunting. However, the effects were less than satisfactory. The eagles don't take well to being subservient to anyone.

A completely white eagle standing in a snowy cave
Snow Eagle by KajetanWrites with MidJourney
Lifespan
30 years
Geographic Distribution

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