Madagascar Serpent-Eagle
Eutriorchis astur
Very rare and enigmatic large raptor that is endemic to Madagascar. Occurs very locally in pristine eastern rainforest, where it hunts inside of the forest, never soaring. Call is a series of low “how” notes, sometimes delivered in slow series and sometimes more quickly and emphatically. Very similar to Henst’s Goshawk. Subtle differences include slightly larger size, denser barring on the chest, thinner black bands on the tail, and dark barring on the back.
Identification
The Madagascar serpent eagle is a medium-sized raptor with a long rounded tail and short rounded wings. It is dark grey on its back and a lighter grey on its belly, breast, and throat. Dark barring covers the bird's body. It has yellow eyes and a sharp, hooked beak with strong talons. It measures 57 to 66 cm (22 to 26 in) long with a wingspan of 90 to 110 cm (35 to 43 in).
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Eutriorchis astur
- Authority
- Sharpe, 1875
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Genus
- Eutriorchis
Range and habitat
This bird inhabits dense, humid, and broadleafed evergreen forests in northeastern and east-central Madagascar. It rarely ventures above 550 meters (1800 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
This serpent-eagle is diurnal. It eats lemurs both large and small, snakes, lizards, and frogs, which it hunts from high perches, swooping down from its perch and grasping its prey in its talons when it spots it.
Conservation
This species was believed to be extinct, with the last confirmed sighting being from 1930. However, sightings in 1977 and 1988 led to hope for the species' rediscovery. It was rediscovered in 1993 by the Peregrine Fund.<p>This species is threatened by the destruction of its specialized habitat and a presumed low rate of reproduction.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
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