Beaudouin's Snake-Eagle
NameBeaudouin's Snake-Eagle
Common NameBeaudouin's Snake-Eagle
Scientific NameCircaetus beaudouini
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)160
Length (cm)63
Weight (g)1600
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark grey-brown upperparts, head, and breast, contrasting with a clean white belly and undertail coverts. The head features a prominent crest, and the eyes are a striking bright yellow. The tail is dark with faint pale bars.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, but can emit a series of high-pitched whistles or a drawn-out 'ko-ko-ko-ko' call, especially during breeding season.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeFound across West and Central Africa, its range extends from Senegal eastwards through countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic, reaching Sudan and Uganda.
Identifying Featurescrested head, bright yellow eyes, grey-brown upperparts, white underparts, specialized snake hunter
Description
This medium-sized raptor is characterized by its distinctive crested head and bright yellow eyes. It is a specialized hunter of snakes and other reptiles, often observed perched prominently on trees or soaring over open woodlands and savannas.
