Crested Serpent Eagle

Latin Name: 
Spilornis cheela
Category: 
Size: 
75cm
Description: 

Sexes alike; female larger. Dark brown plumage; roundish, pied crest, visible when erected; pale brown below, finely spotted white; in overhead flight, the dark body, white bars along the wings and white tail-band confirm identity; characteristic call. Solitary or in pairs, flying over forest, often very high, calling frequently; perches on leafy branches; swoops down on prey, snatching it in its talons; raises crest when alarmed.

Habitat: 
forested country.
Food: 
snakes, lizards, birds, rodents, squirrels.
Distribution: 
resident; subcontinent, to about 3,000m in the Himalaya.
Call: 
Call Description: 
loud whistling scream, keee…kee…ke…
National Status: