Alternative Names: Black-breasted Snake Eagle, Black-breasted Snake-Eagle, Black-chested Snake-Eagle
- Circaetus pectoralis
Identification
63-71 cm (24¾-28 in) - Female slightly Larger.
Distribution
Africa.
From East Sudan and Ethiopia south to South Africa
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Formerly regarded as a subspecies of Short-toed Eagle.
Habitat
Ranges from desert to savanna and woodlands.
Behaviour
Breeding
They breed during the months of July through to August. The single egg is incubated by the female for around 52 days. The chick will rely on its parent for up to 6 months after fledging.
Diet
The diet includes snakes and lizards of various species; also fish, insects and small rodents
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2017. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2017, with updates to August 2017. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- The Internet Bird Collection
- BF Member observations
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Black-chested Snake Eagle. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 17 March 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Black-chested_Snake_Eagle
External Links
Search the Gallery using the scientific name:
Search the Gallery Using the common name Black-chested Snake Eagle:
Search the Gallery Using the common name Black-breasted Snake Eagle:
GSearch checked for 2020 platform.
