The brown snake eagle is a fairly large species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is found in West, East and southern Africa. This species is an almost obligate predator of a variety of snakes. A very solitary bird, the brown snake eagle has a prolonged breeding cycle and raises a single eaglet. Although probably naturally scarce, it is classified as a least concern species as it continues to occur over a very broad range.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Favors open and semi-open habitats such as savannas, wooded grasslands, and lightly wooded farmland with scattered tall trees for perching. Avoids dense tropical forest and true deserts but uses edges, clearings, and riverine trees. Often hunts from exposed perches or by soaring over mosaic landscapes with ample basking sites for snakes. Occurs across West, East, and southern Africa with patchy but widespread presence where suitable perches and snake populations occur.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This powerful raptor specializes in hunting snakes, including large and highly venomous species like cobras and puff adders. Its thick, scaled legs and robust talons help protect it from bites while subduing prey. It often swallows snakes head-first and may decapitate very large ones before eating. Typically solitary, it has a slow breeding cycle and raises a single chick.
Adult soaring over Kang in central Botswana
Brown snake eagle hydrating after a drink in Yankari National Park, Bauchi, Nigeria
Immature in Kruger NP, South Africa
Subadult in flight, Kruger NP
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone, perched high on a tree or utility pole scanning for snakes. Pairs maintain large territories and breed slowly, typically laying a single egg in a sturdy stick nest placed in a tall tree. Both adults attend the nest, and the chick fledges after a prolonged period of care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet, but during breeding may give far-carrying, mellow whistles and piping calls. Vocalizations are infrequent and usually heard near the nest or during aerial displays.
Plumage
Largely uniform dark chocolate-brown body with slightly paler flight feathers and a subtly barred tail and underwings. The head appears large and rounded with a bare greyish face and powerful hooked bill. Underwing pattern shows contrasting pale areas with dusky barring in flight.
Diet
Primarily preys on snakes, including venomous species, which it subdues with powerful talons and thickly scaled legs. Also takes lizards (including monitor lizards), small mammals, birds, and occasionally amphibians. Large snakes may be decapitated before consumption, while smaller ones are swallowed whole, often head-first. Will opportunistically scavenge or take other prey when snakes are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along ecotones and open country where snakes bask, such as savanna grasslands, scrub, and roadsides. Uses elevated perches to scan the ground and may also soar to locate prey-rich areas.
