About the Crested Eagle
The crested eagle is a large neotropical eagle, the only member of the genus Morphnus. The crested eagle can grow up to 89 cm (35 in) long, with a wingspan up to 176 cm (69 in), and weigh up to 3 kg (6.6 lb). The plumage varies between a light brownish-gray to sooty gray or even blackish in some cases. It has a white throat and a dark spot on the crest and a small dark mask across the eyes. It ranges extensively throughout Central and South America, but not in large numbers, favoring tropical lowland forest. A powerful predator, its diet consist mainly of small mammals, rodents, snakes and smaller birds. Despite their large distribution, they are currently classified as Near Threatened by…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The species is a large but slender eagle. It measures 71 to 89 cm (28 to 35 in) long and has a wingspan of 138 to 176 cm (4 ft 6 in to 5 ft 9 in). Weights range from 1.2 to 3 kg (2.6 to 6.6 lb). The average weight of crested eagles in Tikal, Guatemala was reported as 1.75 kg (3.9 lb), with a male reported to weigh 1.27 kg (2.8 lb) and a handful of females 1.85 to 1.98 kg (4.1 to 4.4 lb). Standard measurements have indicated females are about 14% larger on average than males. The crested eagle has a large head, an effect enhanced by the often extended feather crest of its name.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua.
When to see it
Peak activity in August · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Beaudouin's Snake EagleCircaetus beaudouiniThe bird has a wingspan of 170 cm (67 in).
Legge's Hawk-EagleNisaetus kelaartiLegge's hawk-eagle is a bird of prey.
Long-tailed Honey BuzzardHenicopernis longicaudaThe Long-tailed honey buzzard is described as having a thin body, small head, long rounded tail and wide, round wings.
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