Border guards saved three young endangered eagle chicks found hidden in a truck travelling to Russia.

The truck from Uzbekistan had been stopped for a routine check at the Russian side of the Ozinki border.

As guards checked the truck’s contents, they were baffled by faint squeaks coming from the toolbox.

When they opened a cardboard carton inside they were amazed to find three recently hatched Steppe Eagles.

Video shows the birds squatting in the box with food and water.

The 26-year-old trucker - whose identity has not been revealed by the Federal Border Guard Service - has been arrested after the discovery.

If found guilty of endangered species trafficking, the driver and any accomplices face up to seven years in jail.