Black-chested snake eagle

The black-chested snake eagle, also known as the black-breasted snake eagle, is a striking bird of prey native to Africa. This large raptor belongs to the Accipitridae family and was once mistakenly considered the same species as the short-toed and Beaudouin's snake eagles. However, recent studies have confirmed it as a distinct species closely related to the brown snake eagle.

The black-chested snake eagle is easily identifiable by its dark brown-black head and chest, which contrast sharply with its white lower body. It has a distinctive call and is commonly spotted across southern and East Africa. Some populations of these eagles are sedentary, while others migrate seasonally.

Thriving in various habitats, these eagles primarily hunt snakes but also feed on lizards, insects, and small mammals. For nesting, they prefer trees and typically lay a single egg per clutch. The female takes on most of the incubation duties. Breeding can occur year-round, although the timing varies by region.

Currently, the black-chested snake eagle is listed as Least Concern in terms of conservation status. However, their population can fluctuate due to factors such as prey availability and human-related threats like drowning, shooting, and collisions with power lines. Fortunately, human-induced mortality rates for this species remain relatively low.