Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela)

Crested Serpent Eagle (50-74cm).

The Crested Serpent Eagle is the most common raptor in Taiwan. Race hoya is endemic to Taiwan. On average, race hoya is larger than the mainland Asian races. There is fairly strong evidence to suggest that race hoya is actually a full species. The Crested Serpent Eagle is very vocal and its hauntingly beautiful calls often carry down to one as you walk through the forest. In spring the awesome synchronised flying and tumbling of courting pairs is a wonderful sight. I unexpectedly came across this eagle while riding along a quite forest road. I stopped my motorcycle just short of the tree. My camera was still in the bag. I frantically got my camera out while still balancing on the bike and managed a few shots before it took to the heavens above the forest.