The Brown Snake Eagle, also known as Circaetus cinereus, is a large bird of prey that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Its total length can range from 66 to 78 cm (26 to 31 inches), and its wingspan can reach between 160 to 185 cm (5 ft 3 in to 6 ft 1 in). Known weights for this species are between 1.5 and 2.5 kg (3.3 and 5.5 lb), with an average of around 2.05 kg (4.5 lb).
The Impressive Size of the Brown Snake Eagle
Despite its fairly large size, the Brown Snake Eagle has a relatively small wing spread, being smaller winged than the bateleur and even the much lighter black-breasted snake eagle. This species has a large head and bare legs, which serve to distinguish it from other brownish medium-sized eagles in Africa.
Comparison to Other Eagles
| Eagle Species | Wingspan (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Snake Eagle | 160 – 185 | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| Bateleur | 180 – 210 | 1.6 – 3.2 |
| Black-breasted Snake Eagle | 150 – 180 | 1.2 – 2.0 |
As the table shows, the Brown Snake Eagle has a smaller wingspan and weight range compared to the bateleur, but a larger wingspan and weight range than the black-breasted snake eagle.
Habitat and Feeding Habits
Image source: Brown snake eagle By Derek Keats
The Brown Snake Eagle is a solitary bird that feeds mostly on snakes, but will also prey on lizards, small mammals, frogs, rodents, and insects. It has natural protection against bites, with thick-skinned legs, and is known to take relatively large snakes, regardless of whether they are venomous or not.
Preferred Habitats
The Brown Snake Eagle is found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in:
- Dry woodlands
- Thorn and broad-leafed savannas
- Near farmlands or at the edge of urban areas
Conservation Status
The Brown Snake Eagle is a fairly common resident in its range, but it is possibly declining overall and is at least of concern status for immediate conservation attention.
Threats and Conservation Efforts
Some of the threats facing the Brown Snake Eagle include:
- Habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization
- Persecution by humans due to its perceived threat to livestock
- Poisoning and hunting
Conservation efforts for the Brown Snake Eagle include:
- Protecting and restoring its natural habitats
- Educating local communities about the importance of this species
- Enforcing laws against illegal hunting and persecution
Conclusion
The Brown Snake Eagle is a remarkable bird of prey that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. With its impressive size, ranging from 66 to 78 cm (26 to 31 inches) in total length and a wingspan of 160 to 185 cm (5 ft 3 in to 6 ft 1 in), it is a formidable predator. Despite its large size, the Brown Snake Eagle has a relatively small wing spread, distinguishing it from other brownish medium-sized eagles in Africa. As a solitary bird, it feeds mostly on snakes, but will also prey on a variety of other animals. While it is a fairly common resident in its range, the Brown Snake Eagle is facing threats such as habitat loss and persecution, and is of concern for immediate conservation attention.
References:
– Africa Wild Bird Book – Page 34
– Brown snake eagle – Wikipedia
– Bateleur – Wikipedia
