The crowned eagle, also known as the African crowned eagle or the crowned hawk-eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus), is a large found in ; in , it is restricted to more easterly areas. Its preferred habitats are principally riparian woodlands and various . The crowned eagle is the only member of the Stephanoaetus. A second species, the (Stephanoaetus mahery), went after early humans settled on Madagascar.
At least 90 percent of the eagle's diet consists of ; the preferred prey taken by various populations showing pronounced regional differences. Throughout its range, the principal prey animals are small mammals such as small antelope, mustelids, rodents, rock hyraxes, meerkats, mongooses, monkeys, birds and reptiles.
Crowned eagles live in forests, mountains, and grasslands in southeastern and Central Africa. Hunting big game. As the most powerful eagle in Africa, the crowned eagle is able to kill animals weighing up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms). The eagle's long hind talon helps break the prey's spine.
According to some authorities typical prey sizes for crowned eagles may be considered to range to at least 20 kg (44 lb) in body mass. Reportedly, the crowned eagle can lift more than its own body weight in flight, though verified accounts of this are sparse.
The Crowned Hawk-eagle is one of the few living raptors that is believed to have occasionally taken human children as prey.
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Animals On Earth: Africa
CasualeHere's the second book of the Animals On Earth Series, this time it's about African Animals which includes the likes of Elephants, crocodiles, lions, meerkats, mongooses, warthogs, caracals, cheetahs, ostritches, rhinos, tick-birds, buffalo, gazzele...
