Least Concern Birds

Long-crested Eagle

Lophaetus occipitalis

Long-crested Eagle preys on small mammals and reptiles in African savannas.

Scientific name	Lophaetus occipitalis
Swahili name	Mwewe wa Manyoya Marefu
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Falconiformes
Family	Accipitridae
Size	Male: body length approximately 58-65 cm, weight approximately 1.1-1.5 kg; female: slightly larger, body length approximately 60-70 cm, weight approximately 1.3-1.8 kg

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How to identify

Distinct long crest feathers on the crown; plumage mainly dark brown with pale spotting on the chest; broad wings with a prominent wingspan in flight; short tail with pale transverse bands; bright eye color with sharp vision

Habitat

Sparse woodland savanna, open woodlands, shrublands, and areas near river valleys

Diet

Carnivorous, primarily preys on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and large insects

When it is active

Diurnal, mainly active during the day, especially in the morning and evening

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania (such as Masai Mara), Uganda, Zambia, and other regions

How to spot it

Observe in early morning or late afternoon in open sparse woodland savanna and near river valleys, paying attention to the long crest in flight and distinctive flight posture

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture details of the crest in flight, choose soft lighting in the morning or evening to highlight the crest and plumage coloration

Threats

Habitat destruction, pesticide pollution, and human activity disturbance

Similar species

Similar to other species in the genus Lophaetus, distinguished by a more prominent long crest and larger size; compared to the common crowned eagle, the long-crested eagle has a longer and darker crest

📖 how to spot the long crested eagle on safari