The southern banded snake eagle, also known as the East African snake eagle or fasciated snake eagle, is a species of snake eagle in the family Accipitridae which is found in eastern Sub-Saharan Africa.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily along the East African coast from southern Somalia through Kenya and eastern Tanzania to northern Mozambique, with localized strongholds in lowland coastal and riverine forests. Prefers dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, forest edges, mangroves, and wooded dunes. It also uses tall gallery woodland along rivers and heavily wooded plantations adjacent to natural forest. The species is generally tied to habitats with a closed canopy and abundant perches for ambush hunting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A specialist raptor of coastal forests, the southern banded snake eagle feeds largely on snakes and other reptiles, often hunting from a concealed perch. It is shy and easily overlooked despite its loud, whistled calls. Habitat loss from coastal forest clearance is the main threat to this species.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, maintaining territories within blocks of coastal forest. Nests in tall trees; the pair constructs a small stick platform hidden in the canopy. Breeding is thought to result in a single egg, with both adults sharing incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, whistled piping notes, often a repeated pee-uu or keeee-you that carries over the forest. Vocalizations are most frequent at dawn and around the nest area, especially during the breeding season.
