The Crowned Eagle, scientifically known as Stephanoaetus coronatus, is a powerful bird of prey native to the African continent. It is known for its unusually large talons and strong legs, which it uses to protect itself and kill its prey by crushing the skull. This eagle is also bold and ferocious, and it will attack humans who come too close to its nest, especially during the post-fledging stage.
Hunting Technique: Still-Hunting
The Crowned Eagle’s hunting technique is called still-hunting. It involves sitting still on a tree branch and dropping straight onto its prey. This technique requires a high level of stealth and precision, as the eagle must approach its prey without being detected. Once it is close enough, the eagle will quickly and stealthily maneuver itself through the forest towards its prey, using the element of surprise to its advantage.
Powerful Talons: A Formidable Weapon
The Crowned Eagle’s talons are one of its most distinctive features. They are unusually large and strong, and they can produce sufficient force to kill the prey on impact. If not, death from trauma or asphyxiation soon follows. Several prey items have been killed by ramming the talons into the skull and penetrating the brain. The eagle’s talons are also used during territorial battles, where two opposing eagles clasp their talons together and cartwheel through the sky, pulling out of the freefall at the last moment.
Diverse Diet: Adaptability for Survival
The Crowned Eagle’s diet consists mainly of monkeys, mongoose, rock hyrax, monitor lizards, snakes, and antelope such as bushbuck and duiker. It has been recorded taking down bushbuck weighing 30 kg, which is more than seven times its own body weight. This eagle’s legs are broader and stronger than all other eagles, and it has long hind talons capable of crushing heads and spines. Its tail is long, which helps it descend at high speeds, and its wings are rounded, allowing it to weave through the rainforest canopy at high speed.
Threats to Survival: Challenges Faced
Despite its power and ferocity, the Crowned Eagle faces several threats to its survival. Habitat loss, power lines, and poisoning are some of the reasons behind the decline in its population. Large eagles, particularly martial eagles, are also targeted by farmers who blame them for killing their livestock. As a result, the Crowned Eagle is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.
Conclusion
In summary, the Crowned Eagle is a powerful and ferocious bird of prey that uses its large talons and strong legs to protect itself and kill its prey. It practices still-hunting, which requires a high level of stealth and precision, and it has a diverse diet that allows it to adapt to various environments. However, the Crowned Eagle faces several threats to its survival, including habitat loss, power lines, poisoning, and human persecution. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the survival of this magnificent bird.
References:
– Africa Freak: Crowned Eagle
– Africa Geographic: African Eagles
– Wikipedia: Crowned Eagle
– African Raptors: Simon Thomsett on the African Crowned Eagle
