[order] ACCIPITRIFORMES | [family] Accipitridae | [latin] Spilornis elgini | [authority] Blyth, 1863 | [UK] Andaman Serpent Eagle | [FR] Serpentaire des Andaman | [DE] Andamanen-Schlangenweihe | [ES] Culebrera de Andaman | [NL] Adamanslangearend
Subspecies
Monotypic species
Genus
Members of the genus Spilornis are mostly rather large hawks, ranging to rather small. Essentially there is only one widespread form from India to Celebes and the Philippines, with many well-marked island forms. Only on the Andaman Islands has there been a `double invasion’ with two spccies co-existing, and even they appear to be separated ecologically with one living inland and the other in the mangrove swamps. The Celebes and Philippine forms are recognised as distinct; as are some of the dwarf races of the Nicobars and Sumatran Islands.
Physical charateristics
Overall dark, medium-sized Serpent-Eagle. Upper- and underparts very dark with conspicuous white spots all over. Has facial orange bare skin between beak and eyes, giving it a ninja look.
Listen to the sound of Andaman Serpent Eagle
[audio:http://www.planetofbirds.com/MASTER/ACCIPITRIFORMES/Accipitridae/sounds/Andaman Serpent Eagle.mp3]
Copyright remark: Most sounds derived from xeno-canto
| wingspan min.: | 115 | cm | wingspan max.: | 123 | cm |
| size min.: | 49 | cm | size max.: | 54 | cm |
| incubation min.: | 0 | days | incubation max.: | 0 | days |
| fledging min.: | 0 | days | fledging max.: | 0 | days |
| broods: | 0 | eggs min.: | 0 | ||
| eggs max.: | 0 |
Range
Oriental Region : Andaman Islands. Spilornis elgini is endemic to South Andaman island, India, where it has been considered common
Habitat
It occurs in the rainforests of the interior of the island. It appears to be ecologically separated from Crested Serpent-eagle S. cheela, which inhabits coastal forests on the same island
Reproduction
The nest and breeding behavior of this species are undescribed.
Feeding habits
The diet includes birds, frogs, lizards, snakes, and rats. Hunts from perch to catch prey in the air or on the ground.
Video Andaman Serpent Eagle
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRou-bU8oVM
copyright: J. del Hoyo
Conservation
This species has a moderately small range in which it is thought to be quite common. However the forests of the interior of the Andaman Islands are coming under increasing pressure from agriculture and development schemes and this species is likely to decline concurrently. It therefore qualifies as Near Threatened.
Although forest remains extensive on the Andamans, loss and fragmentation of cover continues and is perhaps accelerating. The human population on larger islands is rising rapidly and habitat is consequently under mounting pressure from agriculture, grazing and logging. Hunting is also apparently common on the islands and may affect this species.
Although forest remains extensive on the Andamans, loss and fragmentation of cover continues and is perhaps accelerating. The human population on larger islands is rising rapidly and habitat is consequently under mounting pressure from agriculture, grazing and logging. Hunting is also apparently common on the islands and may affect this species.
Migration
Sedentary
Distribution map
