Short-toed Snake-Eagle Bird Details
Circaetus gallicus
Short-toed Snake-Eagle,European Snake-Eagle;
Saap-Giddh
Johann Friedrich Gmelin, 1788
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Circaetus
Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, North Africa (Egypt).
Appearance :
This eagle has a distinctive appearance with a long, narrow wingspan and a relatively small head compared to its body. It has a brownish plumage with a paler underside and a distinctive white stripe running down its neck. The legs are feathered up to the talons, and the bill is hooked.
Behaviour :
The Short-toed Snake-Eagle is known for its specialized diet, primarily feeding on snakes. It is a solitary bird and can often be seen soaring high in the sky, using its keen eyesight to spot prey. It has a slow, deliberate flight pattern and is also known for its dramatic display flights during the breeding season.
Habitat :
It inhabits open and semi-open landscapes, including woodlands, savannas, and areas with scattered trees. It prefers regions with a good supply of its primary prey, snakes.
Diet :
The diet consists mainly of snakes, but it will also take lizards and small mammals. It is known for its impressive ability to capture and subdue snakes.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Short-toed Snake-Eagle is found across parts of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and into Central Asia. It migrates between its breeding grounds in Europe and its wintering grounds in Africa and the Middle East.
Population Size :
the population is generally considered stable and not under immediate threat.
Life Span :
Live up to 15-20 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Short-toed Snake-Eagle has a robust body with a relatively large wingspan compared to its size. It is built for soaring and spotting prey from great heights.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 7.5 to 9.5 cm (3.0 to 3.7 inches). This measurement is the length of the bird’s leg segment between the knee and the foot.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small compared to the body and is equipped with a hooked beak adapted for tearing flesh. The head has a somewhat rounded appearance.
- Bill, Bill Length: The bill is hooked and about 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 inches) in length. It is designed for grabbing and consuming prey, particularly snakes.
Length :
Ranges from 60 to 70 cm (24 to 28 inches).
Neck :
The neck is relatively short but strong, supporting the head well while the eagle is in flight or perched.
Size :
Males and females are similar in size, though females are slightly larger. The size of the bird allows it to maneuver effectively in its hunting environment.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and slightly rounded, aiding in steering during flight. It helps in balancing and making precise maneuvers while hunting. The tail measures about 23 to 26 cm (9.1 to 10.2 inches) in length.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 1.2 to 2.3 kg (2.6 to 5.1 lbs).
Wing :
The wings are long and narrow, designed for soaring flight. They have a slightly curved leading edge and are adapted for efficient gliding and spotting prey from high altitudes.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 155 to 175 cm (61 to 69 inches).
Facial Feature :
The Short-toed Snake-Eagle has a distinctive facial appearance with a relatively small head, a strong hooked beak, and keen eyes. The face is generally pale with a noticeable white throat patch.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is usually built in a tree or occasionally on a cliff ledge. It is often located at a significant height to provide safety from ground predators.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is constructed from sticks, branches, and other plant material. It is often lined with softer materials like leaves or moss to provide a comfortable area for the eggs and chicks.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period typically occurs from late winter to early summer. In Europe, it usually starts in April and extends through July.
Nesting Season :
Nesting generally begins in April and may continue into July.
Egg Color :
The eggs are generally pale blue or greenish with various speckling or blotching patterns in shades of brown.
Egg Length :
Eggs measure approximately 6.5 to 7.5 cm (2.6 to 3.0 inches) in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs ranges from about 4.5 to 5.5 cm (1.8 to 2.2 inches).
- Egg Weight: Each egg typically weighs around 80 to 100 grams (2.8 to 3.5 ounces).
Clutch Size :
The typical clutch size ranges from 1 to 3 eggs. A clutch of 2 eggs is most common.
No. of Broods :
Usually, there is one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts approximately 40 to 45 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestling period, lasts about 45 to 60 days.
Vocalization :
The eagle's vocalizations are typically harsh and loud. They include a variety of calls used during courtship and territorial disputes. The calls can be described as a series of high-pitched, whistling notes.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
The Short-toed Snake-Eagle is a migratory bird. It breeds in Europe and parts of Asia, then migrates to its wintering grounds in Africa and the Middle East. Migration generally occurs from late summer to early autumn, with return migration in late winter or early spring.
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