The Eutriochis astus (scientific name) or Madagascar serpent eagle is found only in the tropical forests of Madagascar. With a height of 22-26 inches, this medium-sized eagle has a dark barred brownish-grey plumage on the upperside. The underside (throat, belly and chest) is a lighter grey. It has yellow eyes and a sharp hooded beak. Its diet is comprised of chameleons, geckos, lemurs, snakes, lizards, frogs, etc. It hunts by waiting on tree branches and swooping down to catch the prey. The clutch-size is 1 egg, incubated by both parents for 40 days. Believed to be extinct after its last sighting in 1930, the bird is now on the IUCN listing as ENDANGERED, after it was spotted again in 1977 and 1988.
Madagascar Serpent Eagle
