Spilornis cheela ricketti

(Sclater, 1919)

Vernacular names
English : Crested serpent-eagle
French : Serpentaire bacha

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Accipitridae
Notes : 20 other subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 74 cm in length for a weight up to 1,8 kg, some subspecies nearly twice lighter or smaller. White-tipped black crest, naked yellow skin on face. Brown wings with white dots, rufous-brown belly with dark-edged white spots.

Range and habitat
Subspecies found in south-central China and nearby Vietnam. Species found from India to Taiwan, south to Greater Sundas. Lives in forests, mangroves, plantations and woodlands, up to 3000 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has a huge range. It is adaptable and can occur near cultivated areas and gardens. Some insular subspecies are threatened.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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