Western banded snake eagle

The western banded snake eagle (Circaetus cinerascens) is a grey-brown African raptor. It has a short tail and a large head. Young eagles look paler and browner on their backs than adults. They have white edges on their feathers. Their heads, necks, and chests have dark streaks, and their bellies and thighs show pale brown streaks. As they grow older, their coloring may change to all dark grey-brown. These eagles have bright yellow eyes, ears, and legs. Their special features help them blend into their homes and hunt well.

Description

The western banded snake eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey. It is about 50 to 58 centimeters (19 to 22 inches) long. Its wingspan is 120 to 134 centimeters (about 3 feet 11 inches to 4 feet 4 inches).

Habitat

The western banded snake eagle lives in woodlands, close to rivers. It avoids very thick forests. These birds like areas where they can easily find their favorite food.

Behaviour

Western banded snake eagles hunt snakes and other small animals. They wait on a branch or tree, then drop down to catch their food. These birds like to be alone and stay hidden away.

Sometimes, they fly high in the sky and call out with a loud sound that goes "kok-kok-kok-kok-kok".

Geographic range

The western banded snake eagle lives in Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west to Ethiopia in the east, and then south to Angola and Zimbabwe. It is mostly found west of the Rift Valley but is not common in the western lowland equatorial forests. These eagles like areas with woodland and forest edges. They are hard to see and sometimes lose their homes, which can make it hard for them to survive. They mainly eat reptiles and amphibians, catching them on the ground or in trees.

Reproduction

The western banded snake eagle builds a small stick-nest hidden in plants each year. The female lays one egg. She takes care of the egg, and it hatches after about 35 to 55 days. After 10 to 15 weeks, the baby eagle leaves the nest.