Crested eagles, also known as crested serpent eagles, are apex predators that primarily feed on snakes, including venomous species. However, their diet is not limited to just snakes and includes various small mammals, monkeys, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even fish. While the exact amount of food a crested eagle consumes daily is not explicitly stated, they play a crucial role in controlling the populations of their prey species.

The Feeding Habits of Crested Eagles

Crested eagles are known to employ a sit-and-wait foraging strategy, spending 98% of their day perched and not constantly hunting and consuming food throughout the day. This suggests that their daily food intake may not be as high as one might expect for an apex predator.

Prey Preferences of Crested Eagles

Crested eagles are known to feed on a variety of prey, including:

• Snakes (including venomous species)
• Small mammals (such as rodents and monkeys)
• Birds
• Reptiles
• Amphibians
• Fish

The specific proportions of these prey items in their diet may vary depending on the local ecosystem and availability of resources.

Breeding Season and Food Consumption

The breeding season of crested serpent eagles can vary depending on the region, with some populations laying eggs between December and March in Southern India, while others initiate breeding during the dry season. During the breeding season, the eagles may need to consume more food to support their reproductive activities and the feeding of their young.

Physical Characteristics of Crested Eagles

Image source: Long-crested eagle By Charles J. Sharp

Crested eagles are medium-sized raptors with the following physical characteristics:

• Length: 55 to 76 cm
• Wingspan: 109 to 169 cm
• Weight: 420 to 1800 g

They have a distinctive single, broad, pale band across their tail and wings, and they hold their wings forward in a shallow V shape when in flight. Females are typically larger than males, which is common in many raptor species.

Conservation Status and Habitat

Crested eagles are not globally threatened and are considered a species of least concern on most lists, although some isolated island populations may be unique subspecies or even critically endangered. They can be found in various habitats, including forests, wooded savannas, mangroves, and even near secondary forests and human agriculture landscapes.

Conclusion

While the exact amount of food a crested eagle consumes daily is not specified, it is clear that they are apex predators that play a vital role in controlling the populations of their prey species, including snakes and small mammals. Their feeding habits, prey preferences, and physical characteristics make them an important part of the ecosystems they inhabit.

References:
– Spilornis cheela – crested serpent-eagle – Animal Diversity Web. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Spilornis_cheela/
– Crested Eagle | The Peregrine Fund. (2021, August 2). Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/crested-eagle/
– Crested serpent eagle – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://animalia.bio/crested-serpent-eagle?environment=207
– Urban raptors: Long-crested eagle – letting nature back in. (2020, February 6). Retrieved from https://naturebackin.com/2020/02/06/urban-raptors-long-crested-eagle/.