Crested eagles (Morphnus guianensis) are large Neotropical eagles that primarily feed on reptiles, especially snakes. However, birds do comprise a larger portion of their diet compared to harpy eagles. Birds such as jays, trumpeters, guans, and cocks-of-the-rock have been observed to be predated by crested eagles at fruiting trees.

Crested Eagles and Their Prey

Crested eagles are solitary birds, usually observed singly or in pairs. They are still-hunters, perching for long periods of time while visually scanning the forest around them. They may avoid direct competition with the harpy eagle by taking generally smaller prey.

Birds in the Crested Eagle’s Diet

The crested eagle’s diet includes a variety of bird species, such as:

• Jays
• Trompetters
• Guan
• Cocks-of-the-rock

These birds have been observed to be predated by crested eagles at fruiting trees.

Incidents of Crested Eagles Preying on Harpy Eagles

Interestingly, incidents of crested eagles inspecting harpy eagle nests and killing post-fledging young harpy eagles have also been reported. This suggests that crested eagles may occasionally prey on other large raptors, such as the harpy eagle.

Crested Eagle Breeding and Nesting Behavior

Afbeeldingsbron: Adelaar met lange kuif Door Charles J. Sharp

The breeding season of crested eagles is from March-April, with nests typically in the main fork of a large, emergent forest tree. The clutch size is typically two, but only one eaglet has ever been known to hatch from crested eagle nests.

Egg Size and Incubation

The eggs are dull white ovals, with one egg measuring 64 mm × 50.7 mm (2.52 in × 2.00 in) and weighing 90.5 g (3.19 oz).

Chick Growth and Development

Growth rates are typical for a forest eagle, with initial wing quills emerging at about 21 days, primary feathers emerging from their sheaths at about 4 weeks, and fledgling occurring at about 100 to 110 days.

Parental Care and Independence

Female crested eagles are diligent about sitting and feeding the chicks, while the male primarily delivers food. Even after fledgling, the young crested eagle is still known to be fully reliant on its parents, and it may take from 16 even up to 18 months for the chick to become independent. Crested eagles can typically breed only every other year.

Conserveringsstatus en bedreigingen

Crested eagles have always seemed to occur at low densities and may occasionally elude detection in areas where they do occur. They are currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, with a total population of breeding adults estimated to be only between 1000 and 10,000 individuals.

Vernietiging van leefomgeving

Due to their seemingly high dependence on sprawling forest, crested eagles are highly affected by habitat destruction, with tropical forests such as the Amazon being heavily degraded and logged. The crested eagle is believed to no longer occur in several former breeding areas where extensive forest has been cleared.

Jagen en vervolging

It is thought that crested eagles are occasionally hunted by local people and, in some cases, are shot on sight.

Referenties:
- Animalia.bio – Crested Eagle
- Wikipedia – Crested Eagle
- Wikipedia – Adelaar met lange kuif