Crested Eagles (Morphnus guianensis) typically build their nests in the central fork of large trees, often in the main fork of a large tree and concealed near the canopy in greenery. These nests are built as a huge platform made of sticks, and the breeding season for Crested Eagles is from March to April, during the transition from the dry season to the wet season in the neotropics.
Crested Eagle Nest Discovery in Panama
In a specific case study, a Crested Eagle nest was discovered in the early part of 2022 in the Darién province of Panama, near the Canopy Camp. The nest was located in an emergent Cuipo tree (Cavanillesia platanifolia) about 22 meters above the ground. The nest was found to be active, with two adult eagles, a light-morph male and a rare dark-morph female, regularly present.
Nesting Behavior and Incubation
Image source: Long-crested eagle By Charles J. Sharp
The female Crested Eagle spends the majority of her time incubating the eggs, while the male is responsible for bringing her food. The eggs hatch after 40-50 days of incubation, and the young nestling is covered in soft, pale down. At around 4 months of age, the nestling is ready to fly from the nest for the first time.
Habitat and Conservation Status
Crested Eagles are known to have low densities and can be elusive, making them difficult to study. They are currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to habitat destruction and hunting. Their habitat consists of humid lowland forests, mostly comprised of tropical rainforests, and they can also range in gallery strips and forest ravines.
Unique Perspective on Crested Eagle Nesting
The discovery of an active Crested Eagle nest in the Darién province of Panama provided a unique opportunity to observe and study the nesting behavior of this elusive and rarely studied bird. The observation allowed for a detailed study of the nesting behavior, including the incubation period, feeding habits, and development of the young nestling. The study also highlighted the importance of large trees and intact forests for the conservation of Crested Eagles, as their habitat is being destroyed and fragmented due to human activities.
Data Points and Measurements
- The nest was located in an emergent Cuipo tree (Cavanillesia platanifolia) about 22 meters above the ground.
- The eggs hatch after 40-50 days of incubation.
- The young nestling is covered in soft, pale down and is ready to fly from the nest for the first time at around 4 months of age.
- Crested Eagles are currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to habitat destruction and hunting.
Real-life Incident/Statistics
In a specific case study, a Crested Eagle nest was discovered in the early part of 2022 in the Darién province of Panama, near the Canopy Camp. This discovery provided a unique opportunity to observe and study the nesting behavior of this elusive and rarely studied bird. The nest was found to be active, with two adult eagles, a light-morph male and a rare dark-morph female, regularly present. This observation allowed for a detailed study of the nesting behavior, including the incubation period, feeding habits, and development of the young nestling.
References:
– Canopy Tower. (2022-09-23). Nesting Behavior of a Crested Eagle Observed for the First Time in Panama. Retrieved from https://canopytower.com/nesting-behavior-of-a-crested-eagle-observed-for-the-first-time-in-panama/
– The Peregrine Fund. (2021-08-02). Crested Eagle. Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/crested-eagle
– Carnivora.net. (2018-10-18). Crested Eagle – Morphnus guianensis. Retrieved from https://carnivora.net/crested-eagle-morphnus-guianensis-t3750.html
