Crested eagles, also known as crested serpent eagles, are known for their distinctive dark, short, round crest. These birds of prey are native to southeast Asia and are often observed in primary forests, forest edge, well-wooded hills, rocky hilltops, gallery forests, savanna, mangroves, and even near villages. While crested eagles are known for their vocalizations, the specific sound of their screech is not well-documented.
The Vocalizations of Crested Eagles
Crested eagles are known to be fairly noisy birds, calling while perched, soaring, and particularly during breeding season when they are engaged in courtship displays. However, the exact nature of their vocalizations is not well-described in the available sources.
One source suggests that the “SCREEEE!” sound commonly associated with eagles is actually from a red-tailed hawk, and that crested eagles have a more chittering, whistling call. Another source describes the call of the long-crested eagle, a related species, as a series of short, high-pitched notes.
Crested Eagle Behavior and Habitat
Image source: Long-crested eagle By Charles J. Sharp
Crested eagles are solitary birds, typically observed alone or in pairs. They have a wide wingspan and display a distinctive white band near the end of their tail and along the trailing edge of their wings in flight. They are known to spend a significant amount of time soaring over marshes, wooded areas, and rocky hilltops in search of sunning snakes.
Crested eagles are currently classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but their population is believed to be declining due to habitat destruction and hunting. They are known to be highly dependent on sprawling forest, and are affected by the degradation and logging of tropical forests such as the Amazon.
Crested Eagle Conservation
The crested eagle’s population is believed to be declining due to habitat destruction and hunting. They are highly dependent on sprawling forests, and are affected by the degradation and logging of tropical forests. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these birds and their habitats.
Key Facts about Crested Eagles
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Spilornis cheela |
| Habitat | Primary forests, forest edge, well-wooded hills, rocky hilltops, gallery forests, savanna, mangroves, and near villages |
| Vocalization | Fairly noisy, with a more chittering, whistling call rather than a “SCREEEE!” sound |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern, but population declining |
| Threats | Habitat destruction, logging, and hunting |
In conclusion, while crested eagles are known for their distinctive appearance and vocalizations, the specific sound of their screech is not well-documented in the available sources. These birds of prey are found in various habitats across southeast Asia, but their population is facing threats from habitat destruction and hunting, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.
References:
– The Peregrine Fund. (n.d.). Crested Serpent-eagle. Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/crested-serpent-eagle
– Clark, W.S., J. S. Marks, and G. M. Kirwan. (2020). Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis cheela), 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.crseag1.01
– Global Raptor Information Network. (2021). Species account: Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela. Downloaded from http://www.globalraptors.org on 2 Sep. 2021.
– YouTube. (2022, April 6). Long-crested Eagle Calling #shorts [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK-F4iAIY0s
– YouTube. (2022, April 6). Long-crested Eagle male calling [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4ovHUIvZMk
– Wikipedia. (2022, April 6). Crested eagle. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crested_eagle.
