Southern Banded Snake Eagle
NameSouthern Banded Snake Eagle
Common NameSouthern Banded Snake Eagle
Scientific NameCircaetus fasciolatus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)100
Length (cm)57.5
Weight (g)1200
Plumage DetailsAdults have a grey head, neck, and upper breast, with dark brown upperparts. The rest of the underparts are white with prominent rufous-brown barring on the belly and thighs. The tail is dark with three broad white bands. Eyes are yellow, cere grey, and legs yellow.
Vocalization / CallA series of high-pitched, whistling calls, often described as 'koo-koo-koo' or 'kweee-kweee-kweee'.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in a narrow strip along the eastern and southern coast of Africa, from southern Somalia through Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Eswatini, and eastern South Africa.
Identifying Featuresgrey head and upper breast, heavily barred white underparts, yellow eyes, dark tail with white bands, specialist snake-eater
Description
This medium-sized raptor is characterized by its grey head and upperparts contrasting with heavily barred white underparts. It is a specialist snake-eater, typically found in dense woodlands and coastal forests where it perches silently, waiting for prey.
