Crowned eagles are considered to be highly intelligent, wary, and independent animals. They are more inquisitive than their relatives and have a unique position over all other African eagles, particularly when they hunt. Crowned eagles cannot be induced to hunt large prey by increasing their hunger, unlike Verreaux’s or Tawny Eagles.
Unique Hunting Strategy and Temperament
Crowned eagles have a unique hunting strategy that may expose a unique aspect of their behavior. They may show moments of cowardice, which is shameful but may reveal their strategy. They are also variable in temperament, with individuals displaying greater variability than other raptors.
Cowardice and Variability
Crowned eagles have been observed to display moments of cowardice during their hunting. This behavior may be a part of their unique hunting strategy, where they carefully assess the risks and opportunities before engaging with their prey. Their temperament is also highly variable, with individual birds displaying a range of behaviors that are more diverse than other raptors.
Powerful and Maneuverable
Crowned eagles are the most powerful eagles in Africa, despite not being the largest. They have broad wings that are short relative to their size and a long broad tail, enabling them to maneuver accurately in between trees and understorey vegetation in their forest or woodland habitats. Their average weight is in the region of 3.6 kg (8 lbs), with the female being larger than the male. Their wingspan is an impressive 1.5-2m on average (about 5-6.5 ft).
Longevity and Adaptability
Crowned eagles have a low fecundity, which would assume that they are exceptionally long-lived. Their immune response is similar to that of a human child, indicating their longevity. They still have the will to breed, nest building, and even mating, even in their old age.
Adaptability to Urban Environments
Crowned eagles have a unique relationship with their environment. They are forest and woodland specialists and have found a way to survive in close proximity to some urban areas in parts of eastern South Africa. They require sufficient patches of indigenous forest in combination with pockets of dense bush and exotic plantations, such as eucalyptus and pine plantations, to provide sufficient habitat for prey animals and suitably large trees for nesting.
Conclusion
In summary, crowned eagles are highly intelligent, wary, and independent animals with a unique hunting strategy and temperament. They are the most powerful eagles in Africa, with broad wings and a long broad tail that enable them to maneuver accurately in their forest or woodland habitats. They are long-lived, with a low fecundity and an immune response similar to that of a human child. They have adapted to survive in close proximity to some urban areas in parts of eastern South Africa, requiring a combination of indigenous forest, dense bush, and exotic plantations to provide sufficient habitat for their prey and nesting.
References:
- DinoAnimals.com. (2016-03-15). Crowned eagle – the most powerful eagle. Retrieved from https://dinoanimals.com/animals/crowned-eagle-the-most-powerful-eagle/
- AfricanRaptors.org. (2011-06-05). Simon Thomsett on the African Crowned Eagle – Part 2. Retrieved from http://www.africanraptors.org/simon-thomsett-on-the-african-crowned-eagle-part-2/
- SanDiegoZoo.org. (n.d.). Crowned Eagle | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants. Retrieved from https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/crowned-eagle
- Literary Hub. (2023-05-11). This Eagle Would Eat Your Toddler If It Had The Chance. Retrieved from https://lithub.com/this-eagle-would-eat-your-toddler-if-it-had-the-chance/
- NatureBackIn.com. (2020-02-13). Eagles in our neighbourhood: The crowned eagle – letting nature back in. Retrieved from https://naturebackin.com/2020/02/13/eagles-in-our-neighbourhood-the-crowned-eagle/.
