Fun Crested Serpent Eagle Facts For Kids
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The crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) belongs to the Spilornis genus. The snake eagles belong to the same genus.
This species is sometimes known as as snake eagles. That is why the Ryukyu serpent eagles are often called crested serpent eagles. Some of the well-known subspecies include S. holospila, S. palawanensis, S. rutherfordi, S. richmondi, S. sipora, S.c. melanotis, S.c. hoya, S.c. spilogaster, S.c. bido.
Its home range distribution is in southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and the Indian subcontinent, the same as Andaman serpent eagles. Males of this species only assist in collecting material for the nests but females are the ones who build it.
There are a number of subspecies of this raptor species that are found across the range of habitats. Here are some of the most interesting facts about the crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) for your perusal. Afterward, do check our other articles on the sea eagle and American coot as well.
Crested Serpent Eagle Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a crested serpent eagle?
Spilornis cheela (crested serpent eagle) is a medium to large-sized bird. Some of the well-known subspecies of this raptor family are Andaman serpent eagle, Ryukyu serpent eagle, Natuna serpent eagle, and South Nicobar serpent eagle found within its wide range in southeast Asia.
What class of animal does a crested serpent eagle belong to?
The crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) belongs to the bird class of animals. It shares the genus with the snake eagles. These eagles can be found living over a wide geographic habitat in southeast Asia but primarily in the Indian subcontinent.
How many crested serpent eagles are there in the world?
Crested serpent eagles have a steady population number. But their exact population size has not been determined as there are various subspecies of this genus that are spread over a wide geographical range. The Philippine serpent eagle, south Nicobar serpent eagle, Andaman serpent eagle are some of its widespread subspecies.
Where does a crested serpent eagle live?
Crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) is a medium-sized eagle species that live in the woods, in south Asia across India, Sri Lanka, and other countries in the region. The Philippine serpent eagle (S.holospila) is a species endemic to the Philippines.
What is a crested serpent eagle's habitat?
A crested serpent eagle habitat consists of woodlands, forests, savannas, mangroves, tea plantations. They prefer sites where prey is abundant and they can have clear visibility such as low forest canopy. That is why this species very rarely is found in deep forests where the forest canopy is more.
They are found up to heights of 6,234 ft (1900 m) from sea level. These forest bird nests are built on treetops. The Philippine serpent eagle (S. holospila) lives near freshwater sources.
Who do crested serpent eagles live with?
Crested serpent eagles live in pairs with their mates. They are sometimes found in a group as family members. They also live with Andaman serpent eagles, South Nicobar serpent eagles, and Philippine serpent eagles.
How long does a crested serpent eagle live?
A crested serpent eagle has a very long lifespan. It can live for up to 50 years of age.
How do they reproduce?
The breeding season of crested serpent eagles is from December to May. Males and females form pairs on reaching sexual maturity. These are monogamous birds. Males and females display flights during the breeding season.
The eggs are laid in the nests built by females. The average incubation period is 35 days. Chicks are born without feathers and eyesight. Hence, the fledging period is around two months.
What is their conservation status?
The conservation classification of the crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) is Least Concern. This classification has been awarded to all the subspecies as these apex predators have a stable population across the range of habitats.
Crested Serpent Eagle Fun Facts
What do crested serpent eagles look like?
Crested serpent eagles have a dark brown plumage. They have a black-colored hood on their heads and necks. Their breasts and belly have white spots and patches. Their flight feathers are black in color.
Their underside is brown and they have a single distinctive pale band across their tails and wings. Their wing tips do not reach their tail tips. They have yellow legs, beaks, and eyes.
How cute are they?
Crested serpent eagles are very cute. They are majestic species of birds that look amazing when in flight. Their warm colors make them look very attractive.
How do they communicate?
Crested serpent eagles communicate by showing flight displays. They also use their vocals which are very shrill. Their usual call is kluee-wip-wip. They raise their crest on encountering danger. It is a form of visual communication to alarm other family members.
How big is a crested serpent eagle?
A crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) is a medium to large-sized bird. Its length ranges between 21.6-29.9 in (54.9-75.9 cm). It has a wingspan in the range of 48.4-61.0 (123-155 cm). Crested serpent eagles are three times bigger than a crow.
How fast can a crested serpent eagle fly?
A crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) is a steady flyer. The speed with which it can fly has not yet been noted. But they are very quick and agile, being a bird of prey.
How much does a crested serpent eagle weigh?
A crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) is a medium to large-sized bird. Hence, it has more weight than most small birds. Its weight lies in the range of 14.80-63.44 oz (0.41-1.80 kg).
What are the male and female names of the species?
Males of the crested serpent eagle species are called cocks and females of the crested serpent eagle species are called hens.
What would you call a baby crested serpent eagle?
A baby crested serpent eagle, Spilornis cheela, is called a chick.
What do they eat?
Crested serpent eagles are carnivorous species of birds. They most commonly feed on reptiles such as snakes and lizards. They also eat amphibians, birds, fishes, and mammals.
Are they dangerous?
Crested serpent eagles are not dangerous to humans. If anything they help humans. They get rid of snakes and unwanted mammals. They are excellent hunters and assist widely during hunting.
Would they make a good pet?
Crested serpent eagles are considered exotic pets. They are used as birds of prey hence many hunters keep them as a pet. Training them is very easy and they usually hunt for themselves. They make excellent pets.
Did you know...
These birds are found in many wildlife parks and national parks in India. They are non-migratory birds who remain restricted to their habitat range.
Andaman serpent eagle, Ryukyu serpent eagle, Natuna serpent eagle, and South Nicobar serpent eagle are some subspecies found within its wide range in southeast Asia.
Is the serpent eagle endangered?
The crested serpent eagle, Spilornis cheela, is not endangered. But the Bawean serpent eagle is critically endangered as its population is only between 26-37 pairs. Due to deforestation and habitat loss, they have been endangered.
Do male and female crested serpent eagles have similar plumage?
Yes, males and females of the crested serpent eagle species have similar plumage. Both sexes cannot be distinguished from each other on sight. Both have dark brown plumage with black feathers on their wings.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these sparrow facts and eagle facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable crested serpent Eagle coloring pages.
Crested Serpent Eagle Facts
What Did They Prey On?
Snakes, small mammals, birdsWhat Type of Animal were they?
CarnivoresAverage Litter Size?
One eggHow Much Did They Weigh?
14.80-63.44 oz (0.41-1.80 kg)What habitat Do they Live In?
woodlands, mangroves, tea plantationsWhere Do They Live?
south-east asia (india, sri lanka, philippines)How Long Were They?
21.65-29.92 in (54.9-75.9 cm)How Tall Were They?
Wingspan: 48.4-61.0 in (123-155 cm)Class
AvesGenus
SpilornisFamily
AccipitridaeScientific Name
Spilornis cheelaWhat Do They Look Like?
Dark brown color body, broad rounded wings, bold white spotsSkin Type
FeathersWhat Are Their Main Threats?
habitat loss, climate changeWhat is their Conservation Status?
Least Concern
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