Andaman Serpent-Eagle Bird Details
Spilornis elgini
Andaman Serpent-Eagle,Andaman dark-serpent eagle;
Andaman Sarp Cheel
Edward Blyth, 1863
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Spilornis
- India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Appearance :
The Andaman Serpent-Eagle is a medium-sized raptor. Generally dark brown with lighter streaks or bars. The head is usually lighter in color compared to the body. It has a prominent white patch on the base of the tail and a pale, slightly streaked underbelly. Large and yellow, providing excellent vision.
Behaviour :
Primarily a solitary bird, known for its elusive nature. It soars gracefully and uses soaring flight to scan the ground for prey. The call is described as a series of sharp, high-pitched notes.
Habitat :
The Andaman Serpent-Eagle is found in subtropical and tropical forests. Endemic to the Andaman Islands, particularly in forested and hilly areas.
Diet :
Feeds mainly on reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and occasionally small mammals or birds.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Native to the Andaman Islands, including the islands of South Andaman, North Andaman, and others within the archipelago.
Population Size :
It is considered to have a stable and sufficient population within its habitat.
Life Span :
The lifespan is generally around 10–15 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Build: Medium-sized raptor with a robust and powerful build, suited for hunting and soaring.
- Tarsus: Approximately 70–80 mm. The tarsus is relatively short.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is proportionally small relative to the body, with a distinctive, rounded crown. Typically lighter in color compared to the rest of the body, often with streaks or bars.
- Bill: The bill is strong and hooked, adapted for tearing flesh.
- Bill Length: Around 30–35 mm.
Length :
Approximately 50–55 cm from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail.
Neck :
Moderately long and flexible, allowing the bird to turn its head significantly to scan for prey.
Size :
Medium-sized raptor, with males and females being similar in size.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and slender, with a white patch at the base and dark bars or bands.
- Tail Length: About 22–25 cm.
Weight :
Typically ranges from 800 to 1,000 grams.
Wing :
The wings are broad and slightly rounded, designed for soaring and gliding rather than fast, flapping flight.
Wing Span :
Approximately 110–130 cm.
Facial Feature :
The face is characterized by a striking appearance with prominent yellow eyes and a hooked beak. The feathers around the face may be slightly lighter and less streaked compared to the rest of the body.
Nest Details :
- Nest Location: Nests are usually built in tall trees, often in a fork or on a sturdy branch.
- Nest Structure: The nest is a large, bulky platform made of sticks and twigs, often lined with green leaves or fresh vegetation to provide a soft lining.
- Materials: The nest is constructed from twigs, sticks, and branches, with occasional additions of leaves and other plant material. The inside of the nest may be lined with fresh leaves or other soft materials.
Breeding Season :
Typically spans from January to July
Nesting Season :
Generally coincides with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically pale or light-colored, often white or off-white, sometimes with light speckling.
Egg Length :
Approximately 40–45 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 30–35 mm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 40–50 grams.
Clutch Size :
Usually 1 to 2 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Raises one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Generally lasts about 35–40 days.
Nestling Period :
The young birds fledge around 45–50 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
The call of the Andaman Serpent-Eagle is a series of high-pitched, sharp notes.
Sex Demorphism :
Males and females are similar in appearance, with only slight size differences where females are generally larger.
Migration Details :
Migration Pattern: The Andaman Serpent-Eagle is a resident bird and does not undertake long-distance migrations. It remains in its habitat throughout the year.
