Crowned Eagle

Overview

The crowned eagle, also known as the African crowned eagle, is a large bird of prey found exclusively in sub-Saharan Africa and is the only extant member of the genus Stephanoaetus. It is considered Africa's most powerful eagle relative to its prey size and is ecologically comparable to the harpy eagle. The species is currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to the destruction of native tropical African forests.

Identification

• Plumage: Adults feature dark to rufous-tinged brown upperparts with a prominent black-tipped double crest, white underparts heavily barred with black and buff, and bold chestnut underwing coverts; juveniles appear strikingly different with white heads and underparts.
• Size: A very large eagle ranging from 80 to 99 cm in length with a wingspan of 1.51 to 1.81 m, possessing unusually massive talons and strong legs.
• Structure: Boasts a medium-sized bill, ochre-yellow cere and feet, and eyes that range from yellow to almost white; in flight, strongly barred outer wings and tail are diagnostic.
• Behaviour: Exhibits an upright perching posture and is distinguished by its bold, highly conspicuous behaviour and unique voice.

Habitat

The crowned eagle primarily inhabits dense woodlands, including deep rainforests, but also occupies riparian strips, wooded escarpments, and rocky outcrops from sea level up to 3,000 m. Its distribution spans sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to eastern South Africa, though it is now rare in parts of West Africa and restricted to more easterly areas in the south.

Diet

Mammals constitute the majority of the diet, including monkeys, antelopes, rodents, and hyraxes, though birds, reptiles, and occasional carrion are also consumed. The eagle is a powerful predator capable of crushing prey skulls with its massive talons and has been recorded taking large ungulates such as bushbuck. It also opportunistically preys on domesticated animals like cats, dogs, and chickens, though these make up a small portion of the diet in studied populations.

Did you know?

Considered the African counterpart to the harpy eagle due to similar ecological roles, the crowned eagle possesses talons of similar size to the largest golden eagles and half that of a harpy eagle. There is at least one credible report of an attack on a 19.6 kg human child, presumably an instance of attempted predation.