Crested Serpent Eagle

Kaeng Krachen, Thailand

The crested serpent eagle is an arboreal raptor which is a widespread resident across East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Habitat

The crested serpent eagle is found in both lowland and hilly forested areas.

Feeding

As suggested by its name, the crested serpent eagle preys on snakes. It will also eat lizards, small mammals and birds, amphibians, fish, earthworms and termites.  

Breeding

Both male and female crested serpent eagles build the nest which is a large platform lined with leaves high in the branches of a tree. One or two off-white eggs with black spots and blotches at the larger end are incubated by the female while the male will guard the nest when the female leaves to find food. Both parents raise the single chick (if there are two eggs laid, only one chick survives).  A second clutch is laid if the first is destroyed.

Wildfile Specials

• Cinerous tits will nest close to the nests of crested serpent eagles for protection from predators such as crows. 
• The tits also use fur from dead prey left around the crested eagles' nests to line their own nests.
• A  study of crested serpent eagles in Taiwan, observed the birds spending most of their time perched with most hunting activity in the early morning.  They wait for prey to come within range rather than using a fly and hover technique.
• Crested serpent eagles chase snakes on the ground.