Circaetus – Snake eagles
Medium-sized eagles with round heads may strike as owls at the first glance
It is tough to distinguish these eagles from owls – well, it’s easier if you’re an expert.
However, an amateur would spend hours waiting for this eagle to show the trick of head turn. These birds are known as snake eagles, making it evident that they eat too many snakes. Although, they don’t follow a strict snake diet. Reptiles like lizards could also be sometimes seen at their dinner table.
They only inhabit areas with many trees where they can perch and make nests. Some species in this genus are migratory, while others like to stay put in one place for years.
Species in this genus
Southern banded snake eagle
During courtship displays, they perform spiraling dives and engage in mid-air talon-locking displays with their mates
Short-toed snake eagle
A magnificent migratory bird with long, broad wings and a short tail that sings in the form of musical whistles