Congo Snake-Eagle
Circaetus spectabilis
Data DeficientAves · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae
About
The Congo serpent eagle is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. This species is distributed across the African tropical rainforest, including upper and lower Guinean forests. This serpent eagle specializes in hunting in these forests' dark understories. It has two subspecies, the nominate subspecies Circaetus spectabilis spectabilis and Circaetus spectabilis batesi. This hawk is a medium-sized bird with distinctive short, rounded wings and a long, rounded tail. It is varying shades of brown on its back and has a slight crest. Its breast is white with variable amounts of a rufous wash and, in the nominate subspecies, is covered in round, blackish spots. The subspecies C. s. batesi only has these dots on its flanks. The Congo serpent eagle closely resembles Cassin's hawk-eagle, and some ornithologists believe that this likeness is a rare example of avian mimicry. It is a very vocal raptor, and often is one of the most heard species in its habitat.
Fun Fact
This species is distributed across the African tropical rainforest, including upper and lower Guinean forests.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in upper Guinean forests from Liberia to northern Cameroon, while C.
Diet
Feeds on snakes, chameleons, and toads, and hunts these species by dropping onto them from a perch in the understory.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance