Spilornis cheela
The Crested Serpent Eagle (*Spilornis cheela*) is a formidable medium-sized raptor, instantly recognizable by its prominent nuchal crest, which can be raised into a fan-like shape when agitated or at rest. Adults typically measure 55-75 cm in length with a wingspan of 120-175 cm, presenting a striking appearance of dark brown upperparts and pale underparts heavily spotted and barred with dark brown or black. A key identification mark in flight is the broad, rounded wings showcasing distinct b...
This versatile raptor inhabits a wide array of forested landscapes, from dense tropical rainforests and deciduous woodlands to more open forest edges, plantations, and cultivation, frequently found near water bodies. It can be encountered from lowlands up to elevations of 2,000 meters, occasional...
Primarily an ophiophagous (snake-eating) raptor, its diet consists predominantly of both venomous and non-venomous snakes, supplemented by lizards, frogs, toads, rodents, and occasionally small birds. It hunts mainly by perch-hunting, surveying the ground from a vantage point.
The Crested Serpent Eagle is a diurnal, solitary hunter, often observed perched conspicuously on dead snags or exposed branches, scanning the forest floor below. Its primary foraging strategy involves patient perch-hunting, swooping down with precision to seize unsuspecting prey, though it may al...
The Crested Serpent Eagle boasts an expansive geographic distribution across much of tropical and subtropical Asia, making it one of the most widespread raptors in the region. Its breeding range spans the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, extending ea...
Least Concern
- The Crested Serpent Eagle is one of the most specialized snake-eating raptors in the world, with a unique diet reflected in its name. - Its thick, unfeathered leg scales and strong, sharp talons are adaptations for safely handling and subduing venomous snakes. - It is believed to have some phys...