Fasciated Snake-Eagle (Circaetus fasciolatus)

The southern banded snake-eagle is a secretive and solitary species (1), usually remaining beneath the forest canopy. When hunting, this species perches silently in trees at the edges of clearings and rivers, and when prey appears it swoops to the ground, snatching it up in its large, sharp talons. As its name suggests this species' preferred source of food is snakes, but it will also take lizards, termites, large beetles, mice, and even chickens (4). During the breeding season, the male southern banded snake-eagle may be seen soaring above the forest canopy, repeatedly calling in a display designed to attract a mate (4). Once breeding pairs have formed, they construct a nest from twigs lined with green leaves, in which a single egg is laid (4) (5) (6). Egg-laying occurs from July to October in the northern parts of this species' range and from September to October in the southern parts (4).

Rights Holder: Wildscreen