Common and widespread, the tawny eagle is a relatively large, handsome bird of prey, with heavily feathered legs. The plumage is generally tawny to rusty brown in colour, often with dark markings on the wings, especially the flight-feathers. Three subspecies are currently recognized, which occupy different geographical regions, and vary slightly in size, markings and colouration. During its first year, the immature tawny eagle’s plumage is much paler than the adults, often whitish, especially on the underparts.