Least Concern Birds

Brown Snake Eagle

Circaetus cinereus

Brown Snake Eagle preys on snakes and reptiles in African savannas and woodlands.

Scientific name	Circaetus cinereus
Swahili name	Mwewe wa Nyoka wa Kahawia
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Accipitridae
Size	Male: approximately 1.1-1.3 kg; Female: approximately 1.3-1.5 kg

See this species in the app

How to identify

Medium to large size, wingspan about 160-180 cm; overall brown plumage with pale spots on the chest; large head, sharp eyes; short tail with pale horizontal bands; broad, thick wings in flight

Habitat

Open woodland savanna, open forests, shrublands, and river valley areas

Diet

Carnivorous, primarily preys on snakes (including venomous species), lizards, and other small reptiles

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day, especially in the morning and afternoon

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania (including Masai Mara), Uganda, and Congo

How to spot it

Observe in open areas at dawn or dusk, paying attention to soaring and hunting behavior; use binoculars to observe head and chest markings for accurate identification

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture flight poses and hunting moments; choose well-lit times and backgrounds of open sky or tree canopy

Threats

Habitat destruction and disturbance from human activities; pesticide and toxin pollution may affect prey populations

Similar species

Similar to the White-bellied Snake Eagle (Circaetus pectoralis), which has a distinctly white chest, whereas the Brown Snake Eagle has pale spots on the chest; slight differences in size and plumage color

📖 how to spot the brown snake eagle on safari