The Crested Eagle (Morphnus guianensis) is a large bird of prey found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. With an estimated population of between 1,000 and 10,000 breeding adults, this species is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to a decreasing trend caused by habitat destruction.
The Crested Eagle’s Population Status and Distribution
The Crested Eagle is sparsely distributed throughout its extensive range, which includes:
- Northern Guatemala
- Belize
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- The subtropical Andes of Colombia
- Northeastern Venezuela
- Guyana
- Suriname
- French Guiana
- Brazil
- Paraguay
Despite its wide distribution, the Crested Eagle is believed to have disappeared from several former breeding areas due to extensive deforestation and habitat loss.
Habitat and Behavioral Characteristics
Image source: Long-crested eagle By Charles J. Sharp
Crested Eagles prefer large, sprawling forests and are highly affected by habitat destruction. They are known for their large head, bare legs, and relatively small wingspan, which enables them to move within the dense, twisted forest environments.
The plumage of the Crested Eagle is somewhat variable, with adults typically having a light brownish-gray head, back, and chest, a white throat with a dark spot on the crest, and a small dark mask across the eyes.
Feeding Habits of the Crested Eagle
Crested Eagles are rodent specialists, feeding mainly on large, diurnal rodents and mice, including vlei rat, water rat, mole rat, mice, and shrews. However, they will also take other prey if the opportunity arises, such as birds, reptiles, arthropods, and even fish or fruit.
These eagles are still hunters, sitting on an exposed perch and waiting for prey to appear before dropping onto it with their strong feet and sharp talons.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Crested Eagles are territorial and build relatively small, often well-concealed stick nests in relatively tall trees, usually at their main fork. The female lays 1-2 eggs, which must be incubated for over one month (around 42 days). The nestlings are covered in fluffy down and are fed by the mother, who tears off small pieces of meat for them.
Threats to the Crested Eagle Population
The biggest threats to the Crested Eagle population are:
- Habitat fragmentation
- Habitat loss (including the draining of wetlands)
- Poisoning
- Collisions with power lines and vehicles
- Increase in the number of doves due to feeding by humans, which can carry trichomoniasis (a disease that spreads quickly and causes major damage to the crop, pharynx, and mouth of the eagles, making them unable to eat)
To ensure the long-term survival of the Crested Eagle, it is crucial to address these threats and implement conservation measures to protect the species’ remaining habitat and populations.
References:
– The Peregrine Fund. (n.d.). Long-crested Eagle | The Peregrine Fund. Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/long-crested-eagle/
– Animalia.bio. (n.d.). Crested eagle – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio. Retrieved from https://animalia.bio/crested-eagle
– Wikipedia. (n.d.). Long-crested eagle. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-crested_eagle
– The Peregrine Fund. (n.d.). Crested Eagle | The Peregrine Fund. Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/crested-eagle/
– Birds of the World. (n.d.). Long-crested Eagle – Lophaetus occipitalis – Birds of the World. Retrieved from https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/loceag1/cur/introduction.
