Short-toed snake eagle

The short-toed snake eagle, also known as the short-toed eagle, is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, buzzards and harriers. The genus name Circaetus is from the Ancient Greek kirkos, a type of hawk, and aetos, "eagle". The specific gallicus means "of Gallia".

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Distribution

Region

Mediterranean and Western–Central Palearctic (breeding); Sub-Saharan Africa and Indian subcontinent (wintering)

Typical Environment

Breeds across southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and into Central Asia, favoring open woodlands, scrub, and steppe. Winters mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia, occupying savannas, semi-deserts, and open agricultural lands. It selects landscapes with ample basking reptiles and scattered trees or cliffs for nesting. Human-modified mosaics with hedgerows and fields can be used if disturbance is low. It avoids dense forests but uses forest edges and clearings for foraging.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size59–70 cm

Wing Span162–195 cm

Male Weight1.5 kg

Female Weight1.9 kg

Life Expectancy17 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A specialist reptile hunter, it feeds mainly on snakes—including venomous species—which it subdues with strong, scaly legs and a thickened skin. It often hovers into the wind with dangling legs while scanning the ground, a distinctive behavior among eagles. The species has pale underparts that reduce glare when hunting in bright, open habitats.

Gallery

The short-toed snake eagle gets its vernacular name from its snake-rich diet.

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

soaring glider capable of prolonged hovering in updrafts; buoyant flight with occasional deep wingbeats

Social Behavior

Typically breeds singly and is strongly territorial during the nesting season. Nests are built on trees or occasionally cliffs, and the pair usually raises a single chick. Courtship involves high circling and display flights with calling.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

Generally quiet, but during display gives clear, fluty whistles and yelps. Calls are most often heard over breeding territories during soaring displays.

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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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