The Sulawesi serpent eagle is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is endemic to Sulawesi in Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. It is very large
Region
Sulawesi and adjacent islands (Wallacea, Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary lowland and hill evergreen forests, forest edges, and riverine woodland. It prefers large tracts of closed-canopy habitat but will patrol over clearings and along ridgelines. The species is most frequently recorded in less disturbed forest interiors where tall emergent trees provide hunting perches. Satellite islands such as Buton and Muna may also support populations where suitable forest persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sulawesi serpent eagle is a large forest raptor specialized in hunting snakes and other reptiles, often soaring above or along forest edges while giving loud, ringing whistles. It shows a characteristic broad white tail band and yellow facial skin typical of serpent-eagles. Endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islets, it favors intact lowland to hill forests and can be hard to spot beneath the canopy. Like many island raptors, it is sensitive to extensive habitat loss.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, patrolling territories over forest canopies. Pairs likely maintain long-term bonds and nest high in tall trees, laying a small clutch (often a single egg). Courtship may include circling display flights and duet-like calling. Nesting occurs during periods of peak prey availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives loud, piercing whistles and repeated yelping calls that carry over the canopy. Phrases are often delivered from a soar or exposed perch and may accelerate or rise in pitch when excited.
Plumage
Dark brown upperparts with a short, slightly shaggy crest; rufous to rufous-brown breast and finely barred whitish underparts. Underwings show pale panels with dark barring; tail dark with a bold, broad white band. Feathering appears coarse with subtle spotting on scapulars and wing coverts.
Diet
Primarily preys on snakes and lizards, supplemented by frogs and occasionally small mammals and birds. Hunts by soaring slowly over the canopy or by still-hunting from high perches, dropping swiftly onto prey. Strong legs and talons help subdue reptiles, and the thick scales on the legs offer some protection from bites. Will take prey along forest edges, clearings, and river margins where reptiles bask.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, emergent tree lines, and over ridges where thermals form. Often uses tall perches with clear views into the subcanopy and understory. Activity peaks when rising air allows prolonged soaring above the canopy.
