Crested Serpent Eagle
Spilornis cheela
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae
About
The crested serpent eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey that is found in forested habitats across tropical Asia. Within its widespread range across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and East Asia, there are considerable variations and some authorities prefer to treat several of its subspecies as completely separate species. In the past, several species including the Philippine serpent eagle, Andaman serpent eagle and South Nicobar serpent eagle were treated as subspecies of the Crested serpent eagle. All members within the species complex have a large looking head with long feathers on the back of the head giving them a maned and crested appearance. The face is bare and yellow joining up with the ceres while the powerful feet are unfeathered and heavily scaled. They fly over the forest canopy on broad wings and tail have wide white and black bars. They call often with a loud, piercing and familiar three or two-note call. They often feed on snakes, giving them their name and are placed along with the Circaetus snake-eagles in the subfamily Circaetinae.
Fun Fact
This species of serpent eagle manifests an unusual amount of size variation across its assorted subspecies.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found mainly over areas with thick vegetation both on the low hills and the plains.
Diet
Feed on snakes, giving them their name and are placed along with the Circaetus snake-eagles in the subfamily Circaetinae.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance