Brown snake eagles are known for their primary diet of snakes, but they are also known to prey on other small vertebrates, including birds, when the opportunity arises. While snakes make up the majority of their diet, brown snake eagles are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of other available food sources.

The Diet of Brown Snake Eagles

As their name suggests, brown snake eagles primarily feed on snakes. They are well-equipped to handle even large snakes, with their powerful talons and beak that can crush the spine of a snake. Their thick-skinned legs also provide protection against snake bites.

However, brown snake eagles are not limited to just snakes. They will also prey on other small vertebrates, including:

• Lizards
• Small mammals
• Domestic and wild birds

When the opportunity presents itself, brown snake eagles will take advantage of these other food sources. They are known to hunt from prominent perches, scanning the surrounding area for any potential prey.

Hunting Behavior of Brown Snake Eagles

Image source: Brown snake eagle By Derek Keats

Brown snake eagles are skilled hunters, using a variety of techniques to capture their prey. When they spot a snake, they will swoop down, seize the reptile behind the head, and then crush its spine with their talons and beak.

While they are generally successful in killing snakes before the snake can use its venom, there have been reports of brown snake eagles falling victim to their intended prey. Some have been blinded by spitting cobras, and others have been crushed by pythons.

In addition to hunting snakes, brown snake eagles will also hunt other small vertebrates, including birds. They may spot a bird from their perch and then dive down to capture it. Their large size and powerful talons make them a formidable predator, capable of taking down a variety of prey.

Physical Characteristics of Brown Snake Eagles

Brown snake eagles are medium-sized eagles, with a total length ranging from 66 to 78 cm (26 to 31 inches) and a wingspan of 160 to 185 cm (5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 1 inch). They can weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 kg (3.3 to 5.5 pounds), with an average weight of around 2.05 kg (4.5 pounds).

One of the distinguishing features of the brown snake eagle is its large head and bare legs, which help to set it apart from other brownish medium-sized eagles in Africa. Their coloration is primarily brown, with some variation in the shade depending on the individual.

Distribution and Habitat of Brown Snake Eagles

Brown snake eagles are found in West, East, and southern Africa. They are sedentary and nomadic, inhabiting savanna, plains, and semi-desert areas. These environments provide the perfect hunting grounds for the brown snake eagle, with ample perches from which they can scan for their prey.

While they are primarily found in these areas, brown snake eagles may also venture into other habitats in search of food. They are known to be adaptable and will take advantage of any available food sources, including birds, when the opportunity arises.

In conclusion, while brown snake eagles are primarily known for their diet of snakes, they are also opportunistic hunters and will prey on other small vertebrates, including birds, when the opportunity presents itself. Their hunting skills and physical characteristics make them a formidable predator in their native habitats.

References:
– Global Raptor Information Network. 2021. Species account: Brown Snake Eagle. Downloaded from http://www.globalraptors.org on 16 Aug. 2021
– Kemp, A. C. and J. S. Marks (2020). Brown Snake-Eagle (Circaetus cinereus), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.brseag1.01
– Birding.krugerpark.co.za. (2021). Snake Eagles, Birding Raptor Guide Kruger Park Birding. [online] Available at: https://birding.krugerpark.co.za/birding-in-kruger-snake-eagles.html
– Wikipedia. (2021). Brown snake eagle. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_snake_eagle
– eBird. (2021). Brown Snake-Eagle – eBird. [online] Available at: https://ebird.org/species/brseag1.