Crested serpent eagle Facts for Kids

The crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) is a medium-sized bird that hunts other animals. You can find it in forests across warm parts of Asia. This eagle lives in many places, including the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. There are different types of these eagles. Some experts even think a few of them might be their own separate species. In the past, eagles like the Philippine serpent eagle were considered types of the crested serpent eagle. Now, many scientists see them as unique species.

What Does the Crested Serpent Eagle Look Like?
How Do Crested Serpent Eagles Behave?
What Is Their Role in Nature?
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What Does the Crested Serpent Eagle Look Like?

All eagles in this group have a large head. They have long feathers on the back of their head, which makes them look like they have a 'crest'. Their face is bare and yellow, connecting to their strong beak. Their powerful feet have no feathers and are covered in tough scales.

These eagles fly high above the forest treetops on wide wings. Their tails have clear white and black stripes. They often make a loud, sharp call. It usually sounds like two or three notes.

How Do Crested Serpent Eagles Behave?

This hunting bird often sits very still on a high branch. It watches carefully for its prey below. When it spots something, it drops almost straight down to catch it.

Crested serpent eagles often eat snakes, which is how they got their name. They also catch other reptiles, small mammals, and birds. They will even eat a dead snake if they find one. You can often see these eagles flying together in pairs over their home area. In Japan, they usually live near the edges of forests and wet marshlands.

What Is Their Role in Nature?

Crested serpent eagles are top predators. This means they are at the very top of their food chain. They help keep the balance in the places they live. These eagles control the number of snakes and other small animals.

Seeing many crested serpent eagles means the ecosystem is healthy. They are a common sight in places like India. This species is not currently in danger around the world. Most lists show them as being of "least concern," which is good news!