A relatively large, handsome bird of prey, the steppe eagle closely resembles a number of related eagle species such as the tawny eagle, Aquila rapax, that occur within its extensive range. The plumage is mostly dark brown, with well-defined bars on the flight and tail feathers. The main distinguishing features are the reddish-brown patch on the nape of the neck, the oval nostrils, and the long, wide gape. There are two recognized subspecies of steppe eagle, Aquila nipalensis nipalensis and Aquila nipalensis orientalis, the latter being slightly smaller, with paler plumage. The juvenile steppe eagle resembles the adult but is paler brown, with a characteristic broad white band running along the underside of the wing.