Eutriorchis astur
The Madagascar Serpent Eagle (Eutriorchis astur) is a medium-sized, strikingly elusive raptor endemic to the humid evergreen forests of eastern Madagascar. Measuring 57-66 cm in length with a wingspan of 96-110 cm, it presents a distinctive profile with grey upperparts, finely rufous-barred white underparts, a long tail, and notably long, unfeathered yellow legs. A prominent, shaggy crest and dark eyes further aid in identification, though its cryptic nature makes sightings rare. Taxonomicall...
Primarily inhabits dense, humid evergreen rainforests from lowlands to mid-elevations (typically 200-1000m) in eastern Madagascar.
Feeds predominantly on reptiles, particularly chameleons and snakes, supplemented with frogs, and occasionally small birds or mammals, hunted via ambush from a perch.
This highly secretive raptor is diurnal, spending much of its time perched motionlessly within the dense forest canopy, relying on camouflage for concealment. It employs a sit-and-wait foraging strategy, ambushing unsuspecting prey from a hidden perch with a swift, powerful pounce. While specific...
The Madagascar Serpent Eagle is strictly endemic to the humid evergreen forest belt along the eastern side of Madagascar. Its current distribution is highly fragmented, with confirmed populations within protected areas such as Marojejy National Park, Masoala National Park, Zahamena National Park,...
Critically Endangered
- The Madagascar Serpent Eagle was considered "lost" for over 80 years, between 1890 and its rediscovery in 1977. - It possesses exceptionally long tarsi (lower leg bones) relative to its body size, an adaptation likely for grasping slippery reptiles. - This is the only serpent eagle species foun...