Short-toed Snake Eagle

Circaetus gallicus

The Short-toed Snake Eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey found in Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is named for its diet of snakes, which it hunts by soaring at great heights and then swooping down to catch them. This species has a wingspan of around 170-185 cm and a distinctive pale head and underparts, with dark brown upperparts and wings. It prefers open woodland and scrubland habitats, where it can find its preferred prey. The Short-toed Snake Eagle is known for its impressive aerial displays during courtship, and its populations are generally stable, although it faces threats from habitat loss and persecution in some areas.

Habitat: Open woodland and scrubland