These majestic serpent hunters are the widespread residents of Indian subcontinent.
Armed with a sharp hooked beak powerful talons and an acute vision, they are built for the kill.
Despite of the name, they also feed on other reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and birds.
Serpent eagle is usually unmistakable. It has a unique posture while perching.
Brownish underparts with white spots, black head and a district yellow cere and lores, unfeathered yellow legs are unmistakable.
In flight, it shows a prominent white band across it’s wing which is visible even from a long distance, the wing tips are rounded. And they soar with wings held forward and upwards, a single white bar will be there on the tail too
Females will be larger than males just like any other raptors.
The juveniles in the other hand are quite different from their adult plumage. They will have a completely white underparts, black ear converts. cere, lores and shank will be yellowish anyway.
These birds prefers to nest in forests.
Known to nest on high branches of tall trees. The nest is not much larger than a Crow’s nest and Usually lays one egg.
Breeding season is from November- may