In the lush forests of the Andaman Islands, where the emerald canopy stretches far and wide, a regal predator reigns supreme. The Andaman serpent eagle, with its keen eyes and sharp talons, is a creature of unparalleled beauty and ferocity.
As it glides effortlessly through the misty air, the eagle’s wingspan seems to stretch on forever, a testament to the power and grace of this majestic bird. Its feathers, a tapestry of brown and cream, shimmer in the dappled sunlight, as if they were woven from threads of pure gold.
| Serial Number | Characteristic | Description |
| 1 | Common name | Andaman serpent eagle |
| 2 | Scientific name | Spilornis elgini |
| 3 | Colour | Dark brown with white spots and streaks |
| 4 | Average length in cms | 55-60 cm |
| 5 | Average height in cms | 50-60 cm |
| 6 | Type of bird | Bird of prey |
| 7 | Found in India in states | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| 8 | Habitat | Forests and wooded areas |
| 9 | Status | Near Threatened |
Features
The Andaman serpent eagle is a strikingly beautiful bird with a unique set of physical features that make it stand out in its environment. It is a medium-sized raptor that typically measures around 60-70 centimeters (24-28 inches) in length and has a wingspan of about 140-160 centimeters (55-63 inches).
The eagle’s head is broad and has a distinct hooked beak that it uses to tear into the flesh of its prey. Its eyes are large, bright, and piercing, allowing it to spot prey from great distances. The Andaman serpent eagle also has a prominent nape and a short, curved crest on its head.
The bird’s plumage is a beautiful combination of rich browns and creamy whites, with distinctive black streaks on the wings and tail. The underparts of the Andaman serpent eagle are typically pale or white, while its upperparts are a warm brown. The bird’s legs and feet are feathered, which is a common feature of many raptors.
The Andaman serpent eagle is relatively tall and slender, with long, powerful legs that end in sharp talons. These talons are used to grasp and subdue prey, which typically includes snakes and lizards, as well as small mammals and birds.
Habitat and Food
The Andaman serpent eagle is a bird of prey that is native to the Andaman Islands, a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal. It is primarily found in the dense, tropical forests that cover the islands, although it can also be found in other habitats such as mangroves and coastal areas.
The Andaman serpent eagle is a skilled hunter and is known for its preference for snakes and lizards as prey. It is also known to hunt other small mammals and birds. The bird hunts by perching on a high branch or rocky outcrop and scanning the surrounding area for prey. Once it spots its target, it swoops down with great speed and precision, using its sharp talons to grab and kill the prey.
The Andaman serpent eagle is a versatile hunter and can adapt its hunting strategies to the environment it inhabits. For example, in forested areas, the eagle may hunt by perching on a tree branch and waiting for its prey to come within range. In coastal areas, it may hunt by wading through shallow water and using its sharp talons to grab fish and other marine life.
Nesting and Nurturing
The Andaman serpent eagle is a bird of prey that typically nests in tall trees in the dense forests of the Andaman Islands. The nest is made up of sticks, twigs, and other plant material and is usually located in a high and well-hidden spot.
The female Andaman serpent eagle typically lays one to two eggs per breeding season. The eggs are a pale creamy white in color and are about 50 mm in length. The female is responsible for incubating the eggs, which typically takes around 35 to 40 days.
After the eggs hatch, the young eaglets are cared for by both parents. The parents take turns hunting for food and bringing it back to the nest to feed the hungry chicks. The young birds grow rapidly and are fully feathered and able to fly by about 60 to 70 days of age.
During this time, the parents continue to provide food and protection for the young birds until they are fully independent. Once the young eagles are able to fly and hunt for themselves, they leave the nest and begin to establish their own territories.
The Andaman serpent eagle is a dedicated and caring parent, and its nesting habits and breeding behavior are an important part of the ecosystem in the Andaman Islands. By providing a safe and nurturing environment for their young, these majestic birds help to ensure the survival of their species for generations to come.
IUCN Status
The Andaman serpent eagle (Spilornis elgini) is currently listed as a species of “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that the population of the species is considered to be declining and facing threats in terms of endangerment or decline.
However, while the overall population of Andaman serpent eagles may be stable, there are still some concerns about their conservation status. The species is only found in a limited range of islands in the Bay of Bengal, which makes it vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation due to human activities such as deforestation and land development.
Additionally, the Andaman serpent eagle is a top predator in its ecosystem, and any changes to the population of its prey could potentially impact the survival of the species.
