Long Crested Eagle
Hannah

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The Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) is an African bird of prey known for its distinctive, long, shaggy crest. This dark-plumaged eagle is a "sit-and-wait" hunter, primarily feeding on rodents, and is found in various woodland and forest habitats across Africa. It is a territorial species that builds stick nests in trees and is currently listed as Least Concern, though it faces threats from habitat loss and collisions with human structures.
Appearance
Crest:
Its most prominent feature is a very long, pointed, black crest that can be raised or lowered.
Plumage:
The eagle has dark, all-over plumage, with a black tail marked by white bands.
In Flight:
When flying, it shows large white patches on its wings and a barred tail.
Size:
It is a relatively small eagle, with a body length of about 56 cm and a weight of around 1 kg.
Habitat and Distribution
Location:
The Long-crested Eagle has a wide distribution across the African continent.
Habitats:
It inhabits forested areas, wooded savannas, moist woodlands, and areas near marshes and rivers. It also adapts to human-modified habitats like plantations and agricultural areas