The crested serpent eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey that is found in forested habitats across tropical Asia. Within its widespread range across the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and East Asia, there are considerable variations and some authorities prefer to treat several of its subspecies as completely separate species. In the past, several species including the Philippine serpent eagle, Andaman serpent eagle and South Nicobar serpent eagle were treated as subspecies of the Crested serpent eagle. All members within the species complex have a large looking head with long feathers on the back of the head giving them a maned and crested appearance. The face is bare and yellow joining up with the ceres while the powerful feet are unfeathered and heavily scaled. They fly over the forest canopy on broad wings and tail have wide white and black bars. They call often with a loud, piercing and familiar three or two-note call. They often feed on snakes, giving them their name and are placed along with the Circaetus snake-eagles in the subfamily Circaetinae.
Region
Tropical Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Indian Subcontinent through Southeast Asia to southern China and Taiwan. Favors forested habitats including evergreen and moist deciduous forests, forest edges, riverine woods, and mangroves. Also uses wooded plantations and mosaic agricultural landscapes near forest. Common in foothills and low mountains, often soaring over canopy gaps and clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A familiar raptor across tropical Asia, the crested serpent eagle is named for its snake-heavy diet and its short erectile crest. It often patrols above forest canopies on broad wings, giving a piercing two- or three-note whistle. Several island and regional forms were once lumped under this species and some are now treated as separate species.
S. c, spilogasterYala National Park, Sri Lanka
Immature S. c. perplexusIriomote, Okinawa
Crested serpent eagle
In flight the wide white band is distinctive
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, maintaining territories over suitable forest. Pairs build a stick nest high in a tall tree, usually near forest openings. Clutch is commonly a single egg, with both parents participating in incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing, whistled call in two or three clear notes, often repeated in series while circling high. Calls carry far over forest and are given frequently, especially during the breeding season.
