Brown Snake-Eagle
NameBrown Snake-Eagle
Common NameBrown Snake-Eagle
Scientific NameCircaetus cinereus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)165
Length (cm)72
Weight (g)2000
Plumage DetailsEntirely dark brown plumage, often appearing almost black. The eyes are a striking bright yellow, and the cere and feet are pale greyish-white.
Vocalization / CallTypically silent, but when vocalizing, it produces a series of loud, high-pitched 'hok-hok-hok' calls or a drawn-out 'ko-ko-ko-kaw'.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Mauritania east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesUniform dark brown plumage, Large head relative to body, Striking bright yellow eyes, Unfeathered legs with thick scales, Heavy build
Description
A large, robust eagle with a distinctive large head and bright yellow eyes. Its plumage is uniformly dark brown, making it appear rather somber, and it is known for its specialized diet of snakes.
