In this edition we feature a “punk-rocker” raptor with a fancy hairdo, the Long-crested Eagle

Also read: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – Lesser Honeyguide

Description

This is a medium sized raptor at 56cm, a weight of approximately 1kg and a wingspan of up to 1.3m for females. While perched the Long-crested Eagle has a uniform glossy dark brown almost black colouration and the long floppy feathers on its crest are easy to see. When in flight it can be easily identified by the broad white patches on the underside of the wings. Males and females are very similar in apparency with the females being slightly larger.

Distribution

The Long-crested Eagle is found along the east coast of SA from Gqeberha northwards, including KZN, through the Kruger Park area to Limpopo Province.

It is also found in most of sub-Saharan Africa

Habitat

This species is most often found along forest edges, particularly those next to grasslands or sugar-cane fields. It is most often seen alone and occasionally in pairs.

Feeding

The Long-crested Eagle can often be seen perched on dead trees or telephone poles from where it swoops on prey. Its diet consists primarily of small mammals such as vlei rats and mice which it swallows whole. Larger mammals such as cane rats are dismembered.

Breeding

This is a monogamous species which pairs for life. Nests are built by both adults in tall trees and consist of a platform of sticks with a central cup. One or two eggs are laid which are incubated primarily by the female. Incubation lasts approximately 42 days, and the chicks usually fledge after two months. They continue to be fed by the adults for a period of about five months from hatching.

Predators and threats

The Long-crested Eagle is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature but they are at risk in some areas due to deforestation. Their nests are also raided by Genets and monkeys.

Local information

The Long-crested Eagle is common in the Highway area, often seen perched on telephone or electricity poles. The Msinsi Grassland in Kloof has a resident pair which is regularly spotted.

Interesting facts

The long floppy crown feathers of the Long-crested Eagle are believed to be important signalling tools to demonstrate the raptor’s alertness and prowess, particularly during courtship and territorial displays.

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