Short-toed Snake Eagle
Circaetus gallicus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae
About
The short-toed snake eagle, also known as the short-toed eagle, is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, buzzards and harriers. The genus name Circaetus is from the Ancient Greek kirkos, a type of hawk, and aetos, "eagle". The specific gallicus means "of Gallia".
Fun Fact
It favours soaring over hill slopes and hilltops on updraughts, and it does much of its hunting from this position at heights of up to 500 m (1,600 ft).
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in open cultivated plains, arid stony deciduous scrub areas and foothills and semi-desert areas.
Diet
Prey on small mammals up to the size of a rabbit, and rarely birds and large insects.
Lifespan
17 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance