Mountain Serpent-Eagle
NameMountain Serpent-Eagle
Common NameMountain Serpent-Eagle
Scientific NameSpilornis kinabaluensis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)117.5
Length (cm)55
Weight (g)1000
Plumage DetailsOverall dark brown to blackish plumage with a prominent shaggy crest on the head. It has bright yellow eyes and a yellow cere. The undertail coverts are white, and the dark tail features a broad white band.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a high-pitched, whistled 'whee-whee-whee' or 'klee-klee-klee' call, often repeated.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the montane forests of northern Borneo, primarily found in the Crocker Range and Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia.
Identifying FeaturesDark plumage, Prominent shaggy crest, Bright yellow eyes, Yellow cere, White undertail coverts, Montane forest habitat in Borneo
Description
A medium-sized raptor endemic to the montane forests of Borneo, characterized by its dark plumage and prominent shaggy crest. It is a specialized predator, primarily preying on snakes and other reptiles, often observed perched conspicuously or soaring over forest canopies.
