Near Threatened
In accordance with IUCN criteria, a species is considered to be Near Threatened if it does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
Species data
Class
Aves
Order
Accipitriformes
Family
Accipitridae
Scientific Name
Stephanoaetus coronatus
Reserve locations
South Africa
Description
The Crowned Eagle is a formidable raptor native to sub-Saharan Africa, renowned for its impressive hunting skills and striking appearance. Characterized by a distinctive double tuft of black-tipped feathers on its head, this eagle boasts slate-black plumage on its back and a tan or reddish underside. Adult Crowned Eagles can weigh up to four kilograms, with females typically slightly larger than males.
Behaviour
Crowned Eagles usually hunt during early mornings and late evenings, even preying on animals such as monkeys and small antelope that can weigh up to five times their own body weight. Crowned Eagles are monogamous, forming lifelong pair bonds and engaging in elaborate courtship displays. They build large nests in tall trees, laying one or two eggs that the female incubates.
Habitat
The Crowned Eagle is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa including in Kenya, Ethiopia, Angola, Botswana and South Africa. It inhabits a wide range of habitats, including evergreen forest, dense woodland, savannah, and thornveld – a type of grassland characterised by acacia trees and other types of thorny plants.
Threats and conservation
The main threats to the Crowned Eagle include deforestation, collisions with electricity pylons and vehicles, competition from humans for prey species used in bushmeat, and direct persecution across most of its range.
In South Africa, the Southern Africa Bird Atlas Project indicates a 14% decline in its range over the past 25 years.
