Long-crested Eagle

The long-crested eagle, a bird of prey from Africa, is easily recognized by its distinctive shaggy crest. This dark-plumaged raptor, known locally in Uganda as Kamusungu-sungu, boasts a striking blackish-brown coloration with a notable crest formed by long, thin feathers at the back of its crown. The wings feature a contrasting white patch, visible during flight, due to the white primary feathers and median underwing coverts. The tail is barred with pale grey, complementing the overall dark appearance. Adult eyes are a vivid yellow, though females may have darker eyes, and both sexes have yellow ceres and feet, which can appear paler in males. Juveniles resemble adults but have lighter plumage and an undeveloped crest, with grey eyes. Females are larger, weighing between 1,300 and 1,500 grams, while males range from 912 to 1,300 grams. The body length spans 53 to 58 centimetres.

Identification Tips

When identifying the long-crested eagle, look for the long, erect crest and the all-dark plumage. In flight, the white patches on the wings are key distinguishing features. The bright yellow eyes of adults and the paler cere and feet can also aid in identification.

Habitat

This eagle favours forest edges and moist woodlands, especially near grasslands, marshes, rivers, or streams. It can also adapt to drier woodlands, mixed farmlands, grazing lands, and even plantations of exotic trees like pine or eucalyptus. It is typically found from sea level up to 3,000 meters, though sightings above 2,000 meters are rare.

Distribution

The long-crested eagle is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia east to Ethiopia, and south to South Africa's Eastern Cape, northern Namibia, and northern Botswana. Generally sedentary, it may become nomadic in arid regions depending on rainfall.

Behaviour

This eagle is territorial and exhibits courtship displays that include steep dives and rocking flights.

Breeding

Breeding territories are maintained year-round, with the female sometimes leaving during the non-breeding season. Home ranges are smaller during breeding and expand when not breeding. The female forages closer to the nest when chicks are young, traveling further as they grow more independent. Both sexes contribute to nest building, which is often a reused structure from other birds. Breeding can occur year-round if food is plentiful, with 1 to 2 eggs laid and incubated primarily by the female for 42 days. The male provides food during this period. After hatching, the male continues to feed the young, which fledge after about 53 days and depend on the parents for an additional 2 to 3 months.

Similar Species

While the long-crested eagle is unique in its appearance, it may be confused with other dark-plumaged raptors. However, its distinctive crest and white wing patches are key differentiators.

Diet and Feeding

Rodents comprise up to 98% of its diet, with the eagle employing a "sit and wait" hunting strategy from a perch. It also consumes birds, frogs, lizards, invertebrates, and occasionally fish and fruit.

Conservation status

Classified as Least Concern, the long-crested eagle's population is in the tens of thousands and expected to rise due to habitat fragmentation increasing its rodent prey base. However, it faces threats from habitat loss, poisoning, collisions with power lines or vehicles, and diseases like trichomoniasis spread by doves.