Crested Serpent Eagle

Spilornis cheela (Latham, 1790)

Crested Serpent Eagle, Spilornis cheela, is a bird of prey of the Oriental Region, breeding widely across tropical Asia in forested habitats. It is known for its large-looking head and the long feathers at the back of the head, which give it a crested, maned look. The face is bare and yellow and joins the cere, while the feet are unfeathered and strongly scaled. It flies above the forest canopy on broad wings and a tail marked with broad black and white bars.

Order

Accipitriformes

Family

Accipitridae — Kites, Hawks, Eagles

Breeding range

Oriental Region: widespread