The crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) is a medium-sized bird of prey that is found in forested habitats across tropical Asia. This one here is a Juvenile.
It is a reptile eater which hunts over forests, often close to wet grassland,for snakes and lizards. It has also been observed to prey on birds, amphibians, mammals, fishes, termites and large earthworms.
It is found mainly over areas with thick vegetation both on the low hills and the plains.
This is a resident species, but in some parts of their range they are found only in summer.
They appear to use a sit and wait foraging strategy.
When alarmed, they erect the crest and the head appears large and framed by the ruff.
Shot in Coorg, Karnataka
Aug 2025
© Dr.Bishan Monnappa
