Alternative name: Long-tailed Serpent Eagle
- Eutriorchis astur
Identification
66 cm.
- Clearly barred upperparts and underparts
- Wing feathers and long tail distinctively banded
- Voluminous crest
- Yellow eye and legs
- Erects crest when excited
Juveniles with white edging on feathers creating a scaly effect on underparts.
Similar species
Very similar to Henst's Goshawk in colour and size, but breast more broadly barred and Henst's Goshawk has a white eyebrow.
Distribution
Endemic to northeastern Madagascar.
An endangered species with a small population. Threatened by habitat loss.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Habitat
Dense primary rainforest.
Occurs up to 1000 m.
Behaviour
An elusive and wary species.
Diet
Feeds mainly on lizards. Takes also frogs and occasionally bats and young birds.
Hunts mostly from perch in or just below the canopy.
Breeding
First nest was found in November 1997. It was made of sticks and twigs and lined with fern and leaves. It was placed 20 m above the ground in a tree. Lays 1 to 2 eggs. Shows a low productivity with only one young every one or two years.
Movements
Presumably a sedentary species.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2013. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.8., with updates to August 2013. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliot, and J Sargatal, eds. 1994. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 2: New World Vultures to Guineafowl. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8487334153
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Madagascar Serpent Eagle. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 17 March 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Madagascar_Serpent_Eagle
