The Crested Eagle (Morphnus guianensis) is a large Neotropical eagle, with a wingspan of 138-176 cm (55-70 in) and a length of 71-89 cm (28-35 in). The tallest recorded measurement for the Crested Eagle is its tarsus length, which can reach up to 11.2 cm (4.4 in).

Crested Eagle’s Physical Characteristics

The Crested Eagle has a large head, bare legs, and a relatively small wingspan, which is an adaptation for movement within dense, twisted forest environments. The plumage of the Crested Eagle is somewhat variable, with most adults having a light brownish-gray head, back, and chest, and a white throat with a dark spot on the crest and a small dark mask across the eyes. Dark morphs of the Crested Eagle have sooty-gray or blackish plumage. Juvenile Crested Eagles are white on the head and chest, with marbled-gray coloration on the back and wings, turning to a sandy-gray color in the second year of life.

Crested Eagle’s Behavior and Habitat

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

The Crested Eagle is a solitary bird, usually observed singly or in pairs, and is known for its large, often extended feather crest. The breeding season for the Crested Eagle is from March-April, and the nest is typically huge but has a shallow cup and is located in the main fork of a large tree, often concealed near the canopy in greenery.

Crested Eagle’s Conservation Status

The Crested Eagle is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to its dependence on sprawling forest and susceptibility to habitat destruction, hunting, and being shot on sight.

Comparison with the Long-crested Eagle

In comparison, the Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) is a bird of forest edges and moist woodland, with a body length of 53-58 cm (21-23 in) and a weight of 1,300-1,500 g (46-53 oz) for females and 912-1,300 g (32.2-45.9 oz) for males. The Long-crested Eagle has a distinctive long, shaggy crest and all-dark plumage, with adults having blackish-brown feathers and juveniles having lighter plumage.

Long-crested Eagle’s Breeding and Diet

The Long-crested Eagle is a territorial bird, with males displaying during courtship through steep dives and rocking, level display flights. The Long-crested Eagle breeds all year but most eggs are laid in July-November, with the female taking most of the burden of incubating the 1-2 eggs for 42 days. The Long-crested Eagle’s diet consists of up to 98% rodents, with birds, owls, the young of other raptors, frogs, lizards, invertebrates, fish, and fruit also forming part of its diet.

In conclusion, while both the Crested Eagle and the Long-crested Eagle are large eagle species, the Crested Eagle is taller with a longer tarsus length, while the Long-crested Eagle has a longer body length and a distinctive long, shaggy crest.

References:
– The Peregrine Fund. (2021). Long-crested Eagle | The Peregrine Fund. Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/long-crested-eagle
– Wikipedia. (2021). Crested eagle. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crested_eagle
– Carnivora.net. (2020). Long-crested Eagle – Lophaetus occipitalis – Carnivora. Retrieved from https://carnivora.net/long-crested-eagle-lophaetus-occipitalis-t7828.html
– Carnivora.net. (2018). Crested Eagle – Morphnus guianensis – Carnivora. Retrieved from https://carnivora.net/crested-eagle-morphnus-guianensis-t3750.html