The black-chested snake eagle or black-breasted snake eagle is a large African bird of prey of the family Accipitridae. It resembles other snake eagles and was formerly considered conspecific with the short-toed and Beaudouin's snake eagles, to which it is closely related.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across eastern and southern Africa, with records from Ethiopia and Kenya south through Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and much of South Africa. Prefers open savannas, thornveld, and semi-arid bush, avoiding dense forest and very wet habitats. Frequently uses tall trees, utility poles, or rocky outcrops as hunting perches. Often seen soaring over plains and lightly wooded areas where snakes are abundant.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-chested snake eagle specializes in hunting snakes, including highly venomous species, which it subdues with powerful talons and thick-scaled legs. It soars high over open country or hunts from exposed perches, often seen alone or in pairs. Formerly treated as conspecific with short-toed and Beaudouin's snake eagles, it is now recognized as a distinct African species. Its striking black chest band over white underparts makes it one of the easiest snake eagles to identify in flight.
Flying with a snake in its beak, Awash National Park, Ethiopia
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, spending long periods soaring or perched prominently while scanning for prey. Nests solitarily in tall trees, building a stick platform lined with softer material. Typically lays a single egg; both sexes share incubation and chick rearing. Non-breeding movements can be wide as birds track prey availability.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet, but gives clear, whistled calls and mewing notes, especially near the nest or during display flights. Vocalizations are most often heard during the breeding season.
Plumage
Boldly contrasting, with dark brown to blackish head and mantle, a broad black chest band, and predominantly white underparts. Underwings are mostly white with dark carpal patches and a darker trailing edge; tail shows faint barring. Feathers are sleek with minimal mottling below aside from the chest band.
Diet
Primarily preys on snakes, including venomous species such as cobras and vipers, which it dispatches with powerful talons and careful handling. Also takes lizards (e.g., monitors), small mammals, birds, and amphibians when available. Prey is swallowed head-first; larger snakes may be torn into pieces.
Preferred Environment
Hunts over open savanna, thorn scrub, and semi-arid plains where visibility is good. Uses high perches or thermal soaring to locate and then stoop onto prey in open ground or along edges of brush.
