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
Black chested Snake Eagle AI

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

Size

63-68 cm - L

behaviour

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.

Black & White
Savanna Bushveld

Distribution

Gallery

behaviour

Behaviour

Breeding

Breeding

Habitat

Habitat

Usually occurs singly in bushveld or 'grassland', occasionally perched, more often flying high and hovering; the only eagle to hover regularly.

behaviour

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