Western banded snake eagle

The western banded snake eagle (Circaetus cinerascens) is a grey-brown African raptor with a short tail and a large head. This bird stands out with its unique look. Young eagles look paler and browner on their backs compared to adults, and they have white edges on their feathers. Their heads, necks, and chests are marked with dark streaks, while their bellies and thighs show pale brown streaks. As they grow older, their coloring may change to all dark grey-brown without streaks on their bellies. The eagles have bright yellow eyes, ears, and legs, and they often show crested chests. These special features help them blend into their natural homes and hunt effectively.

Description

The western banded snake eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey. It measures between 50 to 58 centimeters (about 19 to 22 inches) in length and has a wingspan of 120 to 134 centimeters (roughly 3 feet 11 inches to 4 feet 4 inches).

Habitat

The western banded snake eagle lives in woodlands, especially near rivers, but it stays away from thick forests. These birds prefer areas where they can easily find their favorite food.

Behaviour

Western banded snake eagles mainly hunt snakes and other small animals. They wait on a branch or tree and then drop down to catch their food on the ground or in the leaves. These birds like to be alone and keep to themselves, often staying hidden away.

Sometimes, they fly up high in the sky while calling out with a loud, high-pitched 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, all the way east to Ethiopia, and then down 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 prefer areas with woodland and forest edges. They are not easy to see and their homes are sometimes lost, which can make it hard for them to survive. They mainly eat reptiles and amphibians, catching them either on the ground or in trees.

Reproduction

The western banded snake eagle builds a small stick-nest hidden among plants each year. The female lays one egg, and she mainly takes care of the egg, which may take between 35 and 55 days to hatch. After about 10 to 15 weeks, the baby eagle leaves the nest.