A striking and unmistakable bird of prey found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in areas with a mix of woodlands, savannas, and open farmland. Its name comes from the distinctive, long crest of feathers that often stands upright at the back of its head, giving it a dramatic and almost regal appearance. With its dark plumage, powerful build, and intense stare, the long-crested eagle is a commanding presence perched on a tree branch or gliding above the landscape.
This eagle is mostly blackish-brown, with a bold white patch on the wings visible in flight, and a short, squared-off tail with white bars. Its most eye-catching feature, though, is the tall, floppy crest made up of elongated black feathers, which it raises and lowers depending on its mood or alertness. Its bright yellow eyes add to its fierce, watchful expression.
The long-crested eagle is a perch-and-pounce hunter, often seen sitting quietly on telephone poles, trees, or fence posts, scanning the ground for prey. Its diet is mainly made up of small mammals, especially rodents, which makes it particularly beneficial in agricultural areas where it helps control pest populations. It also eats birds, reptiles, insects, and occasionally carrion. Its hunting method is simple but effective: it watches patiently from a perch and then swoops down swiftly to capture prey in its sharp talons.
Unlike some raptors that prefer remote wilderness, the long-crested eagle is surprisingly tolerant of human presence, and it’s not uncommon to spot one near rural settlements, on farmland, or along roadsides—anywhere with tall perches and open ground. This adaptability has allowed it to maintain healthy populations across much of its range.
Distribution
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Congo-Brazzaville
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Kenya
Liberia
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
