Black-chested Snake-Eagle
Circaetus pectoralis
Bushveld and grasslands. Dark brown plumage looks black. Bare legs. In flight shows pale underwings.
Snake-Eagles
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Fairly common resident. Adult differs from larger [Martial Eagle] in bare legs, unspotted underparts and, in flight, predominantly white (not dark) underwings with narrow black bars. Immature starts as (a), then progresses to stage (b), the head gradually darkening, underparts becoming defined. Usually occurs singly in bushveld or grassland, occasionally perched, more often flying high and hovering; the only eagle to hover regularly. Snakes may be taken into the air, killed and eaten in flight. Nest made of sticks on top of trees. Nomadic. 1-2,2 kg.
Quick Facts
Size
63-68 cm - L
Names
A: Swartborsslangarend
Z: indlanyokemnyama
Ss: Lejanoha La Sefubantsho
G: Schwarzbrust-Schlangenadler
Bird Family
Characterised by unfeathered legs, heads with loose feathers, giving a round-headed appearance, and large yellow eyes. They still-hunt by watching the ground from a perch, or hunt while flying.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Usually occurs singly in bushveld or 'grassland', occasionally perched, more often flying high and hovering; the only eagle to hover regularly.
