Madagascan serpent eagle

The Madagascan serpent eagle is a captivating bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family and is the sole species in its genus, Eutriorchis. This distinctive raptor is found solely in Madagascar, inhabiting the island's lush, moist lowland forests. Regrettably, it faces significant threats due to habitat loss.

This medium-sized eagle is notable for its long, rounded tail, short rounded wings, and striking grey plumage. It also boasts piercing yellow eyes, a sharp beak, and strong talons. On average, it measures between 57 to 66 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 90 to 110 cm.

The Madagascan serpent eagle prefers the dense, humid, broadleaf evergreen forests in the northeastern and east-central parts of Madagascar, typically at altitudes below 550 meters. This diurnal bird hunts during the day, preying on lemurs, snakes, lizards, and frogs. It usually hunts from high perches, swooping down to capture its prey with its powerful talons.

For a long time, this species was believed to be extinct until it was sighted again in 1977 and 1988. In 1993, the Peregrine Fund officially rediscovered the Madagascan serpent eagle, sparking renewed interest in its conservation. Protecting this bird is essential due to ongoing habitat destruction and its assumed low reproductive rates.

The name "Eutriorchis" has an intriguing origin. It combines the Greek prefix "eu-" meaning "good" with "Triorchis" a Latinized term derived from an ancient Greek word for a hawk, possibly referring to the common buzzard. This name alludes to an old anatomical misconception that these birds had three testicles.