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Bird of the Day Series, Social Media Content

Today’s Bird is the African Brown Snake Eagle, a nomadic loner which you can find throughout the southern half of Africa. They are 3’ long with 6’ wing spans and weigh about 5 lbs. When alone, their call is a hoarse, guttural hok-hok-hok-hok; when communicating with a mate in the nest, it’s kwee-oo.

 It is this bird that keeps snake populations in check. In a pinch, it will take monitor lizards, toads, rats and chickens. But snakes are its thing. Any snake, including the puff adder and spitting cobra—video exists that shows one hunting a 9’ black mamba. He doesn’t care about venom; he is protected by thick-skinned legs. He decapitates the snake, tucks it deep into his throat, then takes it back to the nest; the female pulls it out of his throat and cuts it into bite-size pieces. Each male maintains a territory of 120 miles, and each baby needs feeding for up to 60 days. So if you’re in the territory of one of these birds, you’re not likely to be bothered by snakes. Locals know this and leave them alone; this species is not threatened.