Crested Serpent Eagle
Spilornis cheela (Latham)

Identification: It is a big dark brown eagle measuring about 74 cm. in length. It has a black crest with white markings. The underpart is paler brown with numerous white oscellations followed by fine barring of dark and light brown colour on the pale flight quills. In flight, a conspicuous black terminal band is visible.

Habitat: It is found in forest woodlands or dense forests.

Distribution: It is a vagrant bird in Sindh, NWFP and Kashmir.

Breeding: It breeds chiefly between February and March in the plains and between March and May in the hills. It lays one egg per clutch.

Food: It feeds on snakes, lizards, rats, mice, frogs, sick and disabled birds, crabs, etc.

Status: Vagrant.