Long-crested Eagle

Long-crested Eagle, Drakensberg Mts, South Africa

Drakensberg, South Africa

A large, impressive raptor the long-crested eagle is resident and territorial in most of its range in Sub-Saharan Africa which is from  17°S to 34°S. Although generally sedentary, in arid regions, it may migrate at times of drought. It inhabits woodland and forest edges preferably close to marsh, grassland, rivers or streams. It has adapted to human intrusion and is also found in farmland, plantations, and grazing land. It is most comfortable in an altitude range between sea level and 2000 metres.

Feeding

Rodents make up 98% of a long-crested eagle's diet although they also take chicks of other species including raptors and also frogs, reptiles, invertebrates, fish and fruit. They remain perched scanning the ground for prey and swooping down on a suitable target.

Breeding

Males and females share nest construction of a platform of sticks with bowl-shaped  hollow in the middle lined with leaves. It is located close to the tree trunk and near the forest edge. One or two eggs are mainly incubated by the female while the male provides her with food. He also feeds the chicks in the early days..

Wildfile Extras
  • Hatching to fledging takes around 53 days and juveniles are dependent on their parents for a further two to three months.
  • Eggs and chicks can be the victims of raids by monkeys and genets.
  • Long-Crested Eagles face habitat loss and collision with power lines and vehicles but are characterised as Least Threatened by the IUCN.
  • They are seen as beneficial because they eat pests such as rats.