Spilornis kinabaluensis
The Mountain Serpent Eagle (Spilornis kinabaluensis) is a medium-sized raptor, measuring approximately 50-60 cm in length with a wingspan of 100-120 cm, characterized by its distinctive dark brown plumage and a prominent black-and-white tipped crest that often gives a spotted appearance. Key identification marks include unfeathered yellow lores, a pale yellow cere, and bright yellow eyes, contrasting sharply with its dark head. Its underparts are generally darker brown, often with faint barri...
This specialized raptor inhabits montane primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and shrubland, primarily found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level.
The primary diet of the Mountain Serpent Eagle consists of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles, supplemented by frogs and occasionally small birds or mammals, hunted primarily through perch-hunting and aerial strikes.
Mountain Serpent Eagles are diurnal hunters, typically observed soaring high above the forest canopy or perch-hunting from exposed snags within their montane habitat. Their foraging strategy primarily involves scanning for reptiles from a high vantage point, executing swift dives to capture prey ...
The Mountain Serpent Eagle is strictly endemic to the montane regions of northern Borneo, primarily found within Sabah, Malaysia. Its known range is highly fragmented and restricted to three main mountain complexes: Mount Kinabalu, Mount Trus Madi, and Mount Tambuyukon. While its core population ...
Near Threatened
- Endemic to the high montane forests of northern Borneo, making it one of the most geographically restricted raptors in the world. - Despite its 'serpent eagle' name, its diet also includes a significant proportion of lizards and frogs in its specific montane habitat. - Often identified more by ...