Crowned eagles are known to be the most powerful eagles in Africa, capable of killing animals weighing up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms). They are large birds, with a length ranging from 80-99 cm (31-39 in) and a wingspan of 1.51-1.81 m (5.0-5.9 ft). Female crowned eagles are larger than males, weighing between 3.2-4.7 kg (7 lb 0.9 oz-10 lb 6 oz), while males weigh between 2.55-4.12 kg (5 lb 10 oz-9 lb 1 oz).
The Size of Crowned Eagles
Length and Wingspan
- Crowned eagles have a length ranging from 80-99 cm (31-39 in).
- Their wingspan measures 1.51-1.81 m (5.0-5.9 ft).
Weight
- Female crowned eagles weigh between 3.2-4.7 kg (7 lb 0.9 oz-10 lb 6 oz).
- Male crowned eagles weigh between 2.55-4.12 kg (5 lb 10 oz-9 lb 1 oz).
Unique Appearance of Crowned Eagles
Crowned eagles have a unique appearance, with a long tail and broad wings that resemble a massive goshawk. The adult bird has a dark to rufous-tinged brown crown with a prominent, often-raised black-tipped double crest, giving the head a somewhat triangular appearance. The underparts of the adult are blotched and barred black-and-white, with a variable rufous wash across the breast. The pale immature has creamy-tan underwings.
Vocal Behavior of Crowned Eagles
These eagles are highly vocal and have a noisy, undulating display flight. During display flights, males utter a shrill kewee-kewee-kewee, while females produce a lower kooee-kooee-kooee. Pairs also perform visually striking mutual displays, sometimes arising from the first type or when the pairs come together after a brief absence.
Dietary Habits of Crowned Eagles
Crowned eagles are carnivores, and most of their diet consists of mammals. They hunt mainly small ungulates (such as duikers, chevrotains), rock hyrax, and small primates such as monkeys. Birds and large lizards are taken occasionally.
Conservation Status of Crowned Eagles
Unfortunately, the population of crowned eagles is decreasing due to the almost epidemic destruction of the native tropical African forest, which is a major target of timber companies, agriculturists, palm oil and biofuel plantations, and miners as well as slash and burn farmers. The birds are often shot, trapped, or their nests are destroyed due to their size, reputation, and potential for taking small livestock. According to the IUCN Red List, the total Crowned eagle population size is around 5,000-50,000 mature individuals, and the species is currently classified as Near Threatened (NT).
References:
– Crowned Eagle | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants. Retrieved from https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/crowned-eagle
– African Crowned Eagle v Harpy Eagle – Carnivora. Retrieved from https://carnivora.net/african-crowned-eagle-v-harpy-eagle-t9534.html
– Crowned Eagle | Creatures of the World Wikia | Fandom. Retrieved from https://creatures-of-the-world.fandom.com/wiki/Crowned_Eagle
– Crowned Eagle – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio. Retrieved from https://animalia.bio/crowned-eagle
– Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus – eBird. Retrieved from https://ebird.org/species/crheag1
