Brown Snake Eagle
Circaetus cinereus
The Brown Snake Eagle (Circaetus cinereus) is a uncommon kites, old world vultures, eagles, and hawk found in 35 countries, weighing about 2.0 kg. The brown snake eagle is a fairly large species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
About the Brown Snake Eagle
The brown snake eagle is a fairly large species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is found in West, East and southern Africa. This species is an almost obligate predator of a variety of snakes. A very solitary bird, the brown snake eagle has a prolonged breeding cycle and raises a single eaglet. Although probably naturally scarce, it is classified as a least concern species as it continues to occur over a very broad range.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Their plumage about the body is entirely a fairly dark, hazel brown, with some claims of a purplish sheen in certain light conditions. The body colour extends to the wings but for their contrasting unmarked flight feathers which are whitish-grey. The shortish tail, which is most easily seen in flight, is at all ages barred brown and grayish cream. The juvenile is similar in appearance and colour but tends to have very sparse white feather bases, with birds from south of the range apparently showing heavier white speckling, especially on the abdomen and head.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Central African Republic, Eritrea, Mali, Togo, Somalia, Sudan.
When to see it
The Brown Snake Eagle can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Brown Snake Eagle?
- Their plumage about the body is entirely a fairly dark, hazel brown, with some claims of a purplish sheen in certain light conditions. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Brown Snake Eagle?
- The Brown Snake Eagle is a huge sized bird weighing about 2.0 kg.
- Where can you see a Brown Snake Eagle?
- The Brown Snake Eagle occurs in 35 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Botswana.
- What birds look similar to a Brown Snake Eagle?
- The Brown Snake Eagle is most easily confused with the Black-chested Snake Eagle, the Western Banded Snake Eagle and the Southern Banded Snake Eagle.
- Is the Brown Snake Eagle endangered?
- The Brown Snake Eagle is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Brown Snake Eagle for real
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