The Black-chested Snake Eagle is a large and striking raptor found in southern and eastern Africa, named for its dark chest and head contrasting with a white belly. It is a powerful hunter of snakes.
Where to spot
Open savannas, grasslands, and semi-deserts across eastern and southern Africa, from Ethiopia to South Africa.
How to spot
Look for its unmistakable dark blackish-brown head and chest, contrasting sharply with a pure white belly and underwing coverts. Its bright yellow eyes are also prominent. Often seen soaring or perched prominently on a lone tree or pylon.
When to spot
Year-round, active during daylight. Often seen soaring high or perched conspicuously on a lone tree or power line.
Where to spot
Open savannas, grasslands, and semi-deserts across eastern and southern Africa, from Ethiopia to South Africa.
How to spot
Look for its unmistakable dark blackish-brown head and chest, contrasting sharply with a pure white belly and underwing coverts. Its bright yellow eyes are also prominent. Often seen soaring or perched prominently on a lone tree or pylon.
When to spot
Year-round, active during daylight. Often seen soaring high or perched conspicuously on a lone tree or power line.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
It often hunts from a high perch or by soaring and then diving rapidly onto its serpentine prey, sometimes consuming snakes larger than itself.
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