Black-chested Snake Eagle

The Black-chested Snake Eagle, or Black-breasted Snake Eagle (Circaetus pectoralis), is a majestic African bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. It is closely related to the Short-toed and Beaudouin's Snake Eagles, with which it was once considered conspecific. This large raptor is recognized by its dark brown-black head and chest, a striking contrast to its otherwise predominantly white plumage.

Identification Tips

When observing this species, look for the distinctive dark head and chest, which stand out against the white lower underparts. In flight, the contrast is even more pronounced, with white underwings marked by three narrow black terminal bars. Both sexes share similar plumage, though females are notably larger. The bright yellow-orange eye, horn-coloured bill, and pale grey, unfeathered legs below the thigh are additional identifying features.

Habitat

The Black-chested Snake Eagle is found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, grasslands, thornbush savannas, and semi-arid regions. It tends to avoid mountainous and heavily forested areas, and can adapt to human-altered landscapes such as farmlands and areas with utility poles.

Distribution

This raptor enjoys an Afrotropical range, spanning from Ethiopia and Sudan in the north to South Africa in the south, and reaching as far west as southeastern Gabon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It exhibits partial migratory behavior, with some populations remaining resident year-round, while others are more nomadic or migratory.

Behaviour

Typically solitary, the Black-chested Snake Eagle has been known to form communal roosts during the non-breeding period. It shares its range with the Brown Snake Eagle, and the two species can nest in close proximity without conflict.

Song & Calls

The vocalization of this eagle is a distinctive whistled "kwo kwo kwo kweeoo," which can be heard echoing through its habitat.

Breeding

Nesting occurs in trees, often concealed within mistletoe or other epiphytic vegetation. The nest is a modest stick structure, and the female lays a single, unmarked white egg. Incubation lasts for 52 days, with the female incubating alone and the male providing food. Chicks fledge after approximately 90 days. Breeding peaks during the dry winter months, with regional variations in timing.

Diet and Feeding

True to its name, the Black-chested Snake Eagle primarily preys on snakes, including venomous species, but will also consume lizards, insects, small mammals, and frogs. It hunts from a perch or by hovering, then descends in a controlled 'parachute' to capture its prey on the ground.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the Black-chested Snake Eagle as Least Concern. While its population numbers can fluctuate, it is generally widespread, ranging from uncommon to locally common. Threats include drowning, shooting, electrocution, and collisions with power lines, though anthropogenic mortality rates are relatively low for this species.