Circaetinae

Circaetinae is a subfamily of the family Accipitridae that includes medium to large broad-winged birds of prey. These birds are mainly known for eating snakes and other reptiles, which is why they are often called "snake-eagles" or "serpent-eagles". Two notable exceptions are the bateleur, which hunts a variety of animals, and the Philippine eagle, which prefers mammals and birds.

Most of these birds live in warmer parts of the Old World, with some species found in south Asia and others in Africa. One species, the short-toed eagle, moves between temperate Eurasia and Africa, and can also be found in India.

These birds have special features that help them catch their prey. They have hooked beaks for tearing flesh, strong legs, and powerful talons. They also have extremely sharp eyesight, allowing them to see potential prey from far away.

Taxonomy

The subfamily Circaetinae was introduced in 1851 by the English zoologist Edward Blyth with Circaetus as the type genus.

The group’s family tree was studied in a recent project from 2024, helping scientists understand how these birds are related. This information comes from the International Ornithological Congress.