The Crowned Eagle, also known as the African Crowned Eagle or the Crowned Hawk-eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus), is a very large, powerful, crested bird of prey found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is the only extant member of the genus Stephanoaetus. The Crowned Eagle is known for its spectacular displays, with the displaying male reaching heights exceeding 900 m (3,000 ft), sometimes even near cloud level at over 2,000 m (6,600 ft) above the ground.
The Impressive Size of the Crowned Eagle
In terms of size, the Crowned Eagle measures from 80 to 99 cm (31 to 39 in) in length, making it the fifth longest extant eagle in the world. The female, at a weight of 3.2-4.7 kg (7 lb 0.9 oz-10 lb 4.2 oz), is around 10-15% larger than the male, at a weight of 2.55-4.12 kg (5 lb 11 oz-9 lb 1.2 oz). The wingspan typically ranges from 1.51 to 1.81 m (4 ft 11 in to 5 ft 11 in). The largest authenticated wingspan for a female was 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in).
| Measurement | Range |
|---|---|
| Length | 80 to 99 cm (31 to 39 in) |
| Female Weight | 3.2-4.7 kg (7 lb 0.9 oz-10 lb 4.2 oz) |
| Male Weight | 2.55-4.12 kg (5 lb 11 oz-9 lb 1.2 oz) |
| Wingspan | 1.51 to 1.81 m (4 ft 11 in to 5 ft 11 in) |
| Largest Authenticated Wingspan (Female) | 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) |
The Crowned Eagle’s wingspan is quite short for the bird’s size, being around the same mean width as that of a tawny eagle. However, the feet and legs are visibly thicker and heavier than those of the martial eagle, and the talons are apparently quite massive in both length and width. The front-left talon of the crowned eagle, at 4.74 cm (1.87 in), is around one cm less than that of a harpy eagle or the huge, recently extinct Haast’s eagle.
Crowned Eagle’s Hunting Prowess
Crowned eagles are carnivores and most of their diet consists of mammals. They hunt mainly small ungulates (such as duikers, chevrotains), rock hyrax and small primates such as monkeys. Birds and large lizards are taken occasionally.
Crowned Eagle’s Breeding and Nesting Habits
Crowned eagles are monogamous and mate for life. Pairs usually breed once every two years almost year-around, though egg-laying seems to peak from July to November. After engaging in the breeding display, the pair starts to build a massive nest in a fork of a large forest tree, usually 12-45 m (39-148 ft) above the ground.
Conclusion
The Crowned Eagle is an impressive and powerful bird of prey found in sub-Saharan Africa. With its massive size, impressive wingspan, and hunting prowess, it is truly a remarkable species. The fact that the displaying male can reach heights exceeding 900 m (3,000 ft), sometimes even near cloud level at over 2,000 m (6,600 ft) above the ground, is a testament to its incredible aerial abilities.
References:
– Animalia.bio – Crowned Eagle
– San Diego Zoo – Crowned Eagle
– Carnivora.net – African Crowned Eagle vs Martial Eagle
– Wikipedia – Crowned Eagle
– Creatures of the World Wiki – Crowned Eagle
