The crowned eagle, also known as the African crowned eagle or the crowned hawk-eagle, is a large bird of prey found in sub-Saharan Africa; in Southern Africa, it is restricted to more easterly areas. Its preferred habitats are principally riparian woodlands and various forests. The crowned eagle is the only extant member of the genus Stephanoaetus. A second species, the Malagasy crowned eagle, went extinct after early humans settled on Madagascar.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from West and Central African rainforests through East and southeastern Africa, favoring dense evergreen and gallery forests as well as riparian woodlands and forest–savanna mosaics. Most common where large trees and rugged ravines provide hunting perches and nest sites. It persists in some protected areas and mountainous forests but avoids heavily open or arid landscapes. In southern Africa it is largely confined to more easterly, forested regions.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The crowned eagle is one of Africa’s most powerful forest raptors, capable of taking prey larger than itself, including monkeys and small antelope. It is the only living member of the genus Stephanoaetus and is famed for its prominent double crest. Pairs maintain long-term territories and build massive stick nests high in tall forest trees. Habitat loss and persecution are the main threats across its range.
An adult crowned eagle in flight.
ImmatureKakamega Forest, Kenya
A captive crowned eagle, showing the extended crest and the permanent fierce stance of the species
A zoo-kept adult crowned eagle in Hungary illustrates its formidable talons.
Humid Congolian forests along the Dja River, typical habitat near the center of the crowned eagle's range
A crowned eagle flying over its territory in Budongo, western Uganda
A Diana monkey (Cercopithecus diana), a typical and located favored monkey in the crowned eagle's diet
Crowned eagle with a smallish prey item.
A full-grown female bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) is the largest animal known to be hunted by crowned eagles.
Early illustration of a young female crowned eagle
A native Makere in the DRC holds a dead adult crowned eagle.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, forest-hugging flight; soars occasionally above canopy
Social Behavior
Typically forms long-term monogamous pairs that defend large forest territories. Nests are massive stick platforms placed high in emergent trees, often reused and enlarged over years. Clutches are small (usually one chick), and the breeding cycle is prolonged, with extended parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are loud, ringing whistles and yelps that carry through forest, often given in duet by pairs. The typical call is a far-carrying, rising series of sharp whistles used for territory advertisement and pair bonding.
