The crowned eagle, also known as the African crowned eagle or the crowned hawk-eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus), is a large bird of prey found in sub-Saharan Africa. As the only extant member of the genus Stephanoaetus, the crowned eagle is known for its impressive size and weight.
The Exact Crowned Eagle Weight
The crowned eagle is a very large eagle, with females measuring 80-99 cm (31-39 in) in length and weighing 3.2-4.7 kg (7.1-10.4 lb), making them around 10-15% larger than males, who measure 80-99 cm (31-39 in) in length and weigh 2.55-4.12 kg (5.6-9.1 lb).
Factors Affecting Crowned Eagle Weight
The weight of the crowned eagle can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Gender: As mentioned earlier, female crowned eagles are typically larger and heavier than their male counterparts.
- Age: The weight of a crowned eagle can vary depending on its age, with younger birds generally being lighter than older, more mature individuals.
- Habitat and Diet: The availability and type of prey in the eagle’s habitat can also affect its weight, as a more abundant and diverse food source can lead to a heavier bird.
Comparison of Crowned Eagle Weight to Other Eagles
When compared to other eagle species, the crowned eagle stands out as one of the largest and heaviest. Here’s a table comparing the weight of the crowned eagle to some other notable eagle species:
| Eagle Species | Weight Range (kg) |
|---|---|
| Crowned Eagle (Female) | 3.2-4.7 |
| Crowned Eagle (Male) | 2.55-4.12 |
| Martial Eagle | 3.5-6.5 |
| Steller’s Sea Eagle | 5.0-9.0 |
| Golden Eagle | 2.5-6.5 |
| Bald Eagle | 3.0-6.3 |
As the table shows, the crowned eagle is a formidable bird of prey, with females being among the largest and heaviest eagles in the world.
Hunting and Prey Preferences of the Crowned Eagle
The crowned eagle is known for its powerful legs and large talons, which it uses to crush the skulls of its prey. Its diet is mostly mammalian, with small ungulates such as duikers and chevrotains, rock hyrax, and small primates such as monkeys making up the majority of its diet. The crowned eagle is considered to be Africa’s most powerful eagle when measured in terms of the weight of its prey items, with the ability to take down ungulates as large as bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), which can weigh up to 30 kg (66 lb).
Conservation Status and Threats
Despite its impressive size and hunting prowess, the crowned eagle is currently listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is due to a variety of factors, including habitat loss and fragmentation, persecution, and the use of pesticides and other chemicals.
In conclusion, the crowned eagle is a truly remarkable bird of prey, with females being among the largest and heaviest eagles in the world. Its impressive weight, powerful talons, and diverse prey preferences make it a formidable hunter in the African wilderness. However, the species faces a number of threats, and its conservation status remains a concern for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike.
References:
– https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/crowned-eagle
– https://animals.fandom.com/wiki/Crowned_Eagle
– https://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-crowned-hawk-eagle.html
– https://animalia.bio/crowned-eagle
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crowned_eagle
