Congo Snake-Eagle
NameCongo Snake-Eagle
Common NameCongo Snake-Eagle
Scientific NameDryotriorchis spectabilis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)101
Length (cm)57
Weight (g)775
Plumage DetailsDark brown upperparts, rufous underparts with heavy black barring on the belly and flanks. The throat and breast are paler, often whitish or buff. The tail is dark with broad white bands, and it has distinctive bright yellow eyes.
Vocalization / CallA series of loud, high-pitched whistles, often described as 'kwee-kwee-kwee' or 'ki-ki-ki-ki-ki'.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone east to Uganda and south to northern Angola.
Identifying Featuresbright yellow eyes, rufous underparts with heavy barring, long tail with white bands, short, rounded wings, forest habitat
Description
The Congo Snake-Eagle is a medium-sized, forest-dwelling raptor characterized by its striking yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. It primarily hunts snakes and other reptiles, often from a concealed perch within dense tropical rainforests.
