Long-crested eagle

The long-crested eagle is an African bird of prey characterised by its shaggy crest of feathers. In the family Accipitridae which includes all the eagles, it is currently placed in a monotypic genus Lophaetus. It is found throughout mid- and southern Africa, with differing home ranges due to food availability and suitable habitat area, but lives mainly on forest edges and near moist areas. Breeding may occur at any time of year, depending on food availability; it lays 1 or 2 eggs as is usual for raptors. It commonly eats smaller mammals, but will also eat other vertebrates and invertebrates.

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Distribution

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs widely from West and Central Africa across East Africa to southern Africa. Prefers forest edges, riparian strips, wetlands, and mosaic farmland where tall perches are available. It avoids dense closed-canopy rainforest and extremely arid deserts. Common in human-modified landscapes, including plantations and along roadsides, where it uses poles and trees to hunt. Local movements follow prey availability and rainfall patterns.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 3000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size53–60 cm

Wing Span130–160 cm

Male Weight1.1 kg

Female Weight1.5 kg

Life Expectancy15 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This distinctive African raptor is the sole member of the genus Lophaetus and is easily recognized by its long, shaggy crest. It often hunts from exposed perches such as poles and roadside trees, favoring edges of woodland and wetter grasslands. Rodents, especially vlei and cane rats, make up much of its diet, so its breeding can track rodent booms after rains.

Gallery

A captive bird in South Africa

In flight in a game park in South Africa

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

soaring glider

Social Behavior

Typically seen alone or in pairs occupying territories centered on reliable hunting grounds. Builds a stick nest high in a tree, often near water or woodland edges. Usually lays 1–2 eggs and breeds at various times of year depending on prey abundance, with aerial display flights over the territory.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocal, especially during display, giving high, ringing whistles and mewing calls. Repeated, carrying notes are delivered from flight or a prominent perch and can travel far over open habitats.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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