Brown snake eagles (Circaetus cinereus) are large birds of prey that are native to Africa. They are known for their distinctive brown plumage, which extends to their wings but for 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. Adults have a dark brown plumage with slight white mottling on flight feathers and underwing, while juveniles tend to be slightly paler or have fine pale feathers’ edges, giving a faint scaled effect.

Can Brown Snake Eagles Be Black?

No, brown snake eagles cannot be black. Brown snake eagles have a distinctive brown plumage that extends to their wings, with contrasting unmarked flight feathers that are whitish-grey. They do not have a black plumage.

Physical Characteristics of Brown Snake Eagles

Image source: Brown snake eagle By Derek Keats

Brown snake eagles are large birds of prey with the following physical characteristics:

• Plumage: Dark brown plumage that extends to their wings, with contrasting unmarked flight feathers that are whitish-grey. Juveniles tend to be slightly paler or have fine pale feathers’ edges, giving a faint scaled effect.
• Tail: Shortish tail that is barred brown and grayish cream.
• Size: Somewhat larger and more powerful than other snake eagles.
• Wingspan: Relatively small wing spread compared to other eagles, being smaller winged than the bateleur and even the much lighter black-breasted snake eagle.

Hunting and Feeding Habits

Brown snake eagles are solitary birds that spend most of their time perched in trees, performing short flights from tree to another, and hunting from these perches. They feed on snakes and other reptiles, carrying them by the head while flying. They have natural protection against bites, with thick-skinned legs.

Breeding and Nesting Habits

The breeding cycle of brown snake eagles is prolonged, and they raise a single eaglet. The female incubates the egg for 48-53 days, while the male provides food. She will brood the chick constantly during the first ten days before gradually ending the brooding until the chick is around 35 days old. After 95-112 days, the chick leaves the nest and will only become fully independent a week to two months later.

Habitat and Distribution

Brown snake eagles are not migratory, but they may be somewhat nomadic, with cases of birds on territories stretching up to 200 km (120 mi) apart. They dwell in open woods and wooded savanna, most often preferring areas where gulley or wooded hillocks break up flat areas, apparently preferring somewhat more densely wooded areas than related snake eagles. They may dwell at any elevation from sea level to 2,000 m (6,600 ft) high.

Vocalization

The brown snake eagle’s call is a hoarse, guttural hok-hok-hok-hok, usually uttered in territorial displays at conspecifics and sometimes culminating in a crowing kaaww. Pairs also call a soft kwee-oo probably as a contact call at the nest.

In conclusion, brown snake eagles are not black in color. They have a distinctive brown plumage that extends to their wings, with contrasting unmarked flight feathers that are whitish-grey. While they may have some dark brown or black-like features, they are not considered to be black birds.

References:
– Wildlife Vagabond – Brown Snake Eagle
– Oiseaux-Birds – Brown Snake Eagle
– Wikipedia – Brown Snake Eagle
– eBird – Brown Snake Eagle
– The Peregrine Fund – Black-chested Snake Eagle