Species Profile
Crowned Eagle
Stephanoaetus coronatus
Quick Facts
Conservation
NTNear ThreatenedLifespan
14–20 years
Length
80–99 cm
Weight
2700–4700 g
Wingspan
160–190 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: African Crowned Eagle, Crowned Hawk-Eagle
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Appearance
The Crowned Eagle is a striking raptor with a dark brown back, black-barred white underparts, and a distinctive black-and-white crest. Its powerful build includes broad wings, a long tail, and formidable talons.
Females are noticeably larger than males, often by up to 10-15%. Juveniles have paler plumage with a less prominent crest and take about 5 years to develop adult colouration.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Yellow
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Crowned Eagles inhabit sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to South Africa. They are closely associated with dense forests, including lowland rainforests, montane forests, and mature woodlands.
While primarily residents, some individuals may undertake local movements in response to prey availability or seasonal changes in forest conditions.
Distribution
Diet
Crowned Eagles are powerful predators, primarily targeting medium-sized mammals such as monkeys, small antelopes, and hyraxes.
They have been known to take prey up to their own body weight, using their immense strength to carry large animals to feeding sites.
Behaviour
Crowned Eagles are solitary hunters, employing a sit-and-wait strategy from concealed perches. They are known for their agility in forest environments, manoeuvring through dense canopies with remarkable skill.
These birds often perform spectacular aerial displays during courtship, including high-altitude soaring and dramatic dives.
Calls & Sounds
The Crowned Eagle's call is a series of loud, piercing whistles, often described as 'kwee-kwee-kwee' or 'weee-oh weee-oh'. These calls carry far through the forest and are often the first sign of the bird's presence. During courtship, pairs may engage in duets of high-pitched screams.
Nesting & Breeding
Crowned Eagles form monogamous pairs and engage in elaborate aerial courtship displays. Breeding typically occurs every two years, with peak activity varying by region.
Nests are massive structures of sticks, often exceeding 2 meters wide, built high in tall forest trees. Females usually lay a single egg, which is white with brown markings.
Incubation lasts about 49 days, primarily by the female. The nestling period is exceptionally long, lasting 90-110 days, with the young remaining dependent on their parents for several months after fledging.
Conservation
The Crowned Eagle faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment. Conservation efforts focus on protecting large forest tracts and educating local communities about the importance of these apex predators in maintaining ecosystem balance.
Elevation
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Adult Crowned Eagles have few natural predators due to their size and strength. However, eggs and nestlings may be vulnerable to other large birds of prey and primates.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them perched on tall trees at forest edges
- Listen for their distinctive, far-carrying whistling call
- Observe early mornings when they are most active
- Search for signs of large prey remains beneath potential nesting sites
- Use binoculars to spot their characteristic crest
Did You Know?
- Crowned Eagles have been known to prey on young leopards and small antelope species weighing up to 20 kg.
- They have the largest talons of any African eagle, adapted for grasping and killing large prey.
- A nesting pair may use and maintain the same nest for several decades.
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