Crested Serpent-Eagle Bird Details
Spilornis cheela
Crested Serpent-Eagle,Crested Hawk-Eagle;
Naagin Cheel
John Latham, 1790
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Spilornis
India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam.
Appearance :
Medium-sized raptor with a distinctive crest on its head. Adult has a dark brown body with a white underside, featuring broad black bars. They have a bright yellow eye and a yellow cere. Wings are broad with a dark edge, and the tail is banded.
Behaviour :
Often seen soaring or perched, scanning the ground for prey. They are known for their distinctive call, which sounds like a high-pitched whistle or scream. Solitary birds; they can be aggressive, especially during the breeding season.
Habitat :
Prefers dense forests, including tropical and subtropical rainforests. Found in areas with ample tree cover, often near water sources.
Diet :
Primarily feeds on snakes, including venomous species, but also preys on small mammals, lizards, and birds. They may hunt from a perch or while soaring.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found in South and Southeast Asia.
Population Size :
Generally considered stable.
Life Span :
Typically lives around 10-15 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Crested Serpent-Eagle has a robust and medium-sized body with a distinctive crest and a characteristic barred pattern on the wings and tail.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 5-6 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small compared to the body, with a prominent crest that is often noticeable. It has a sharp, piercing yellow eye and a strong, hooked beak.
- Bill: The bill is robust and hooked, suitable for tearing flesh.
- Bill Length:
Length :
Typically around 55-65 cm from beak to tail.
Neck :
The neck is moderately long and flexible, allowing the bird to turn its head in various directions while hunting.
Size :
Medium-sized for an eagle. Males are generally smaller than females.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and narrow with distinct black and white bands, which aids in maneuverability during flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 25-30 cm.
Weight :
Typically between 600-1,000 grams.
Wing :
The wings are broad and rounded, providing strong lift and maneuverability. They are well-adapted for soaring and gliding.
Wing Span :
Approximately 120-150 cm.
Facial Feature :
he Crested Serpent-Eagle has a distinctive crest on its head, and its face is framed by a prominent ruff of feathers. The facial disc is less pronounced compared to some other raptors.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is usually a large, bulky structure built in a tree. It is situated high in the canopy, often in a fork or on a large horizontal branch.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is constructed from sticks, branches, and twigs. It may be lined with leaves, bark, and occasionally some softer materials like feathers.
Breeding Season :
Generally occurs from late winter to early summer.
Nesting Season :
Typically from December to June.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically pale blue or greenish with occasional spots or speckles of brown.
Egg Length :
Approximately 4.5-5 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
Egg Width: About 3.5-4 cm.
Egg Weight: Around 50-70 grams.
Clutch Size :
Usually 1-2 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Typically one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
Approximately 30-35 days.
Nestling Period :
The chicks fledge after about 40-45 days.
Vocalization :
The call of the Crested Serpent-Eagle is a high-pitched, whistling "ki-ki-ki" or "kreee," often repeated several times. It is quite loud and can be heard over long distances.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
The Crested Serpent-Eagle is mostly resident in its range and does not undertake long migrations. Some local movements may occur in response to food availability or seasonal changes.
