Circaetus pectoralis
The Black-chested Snake Eagle is often seen hunting for their preferred serpentine prey over flat, open habitats such as savanna, grasslands, scrublands and semi-deserts. Apart from snakes they’ll also catch other reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. These eagles are quite adept at swallowing even large snakes in flight.
Usually seen singly or in pairs but occasionally congregating in groups numbering several dozen outside of the breeding season, Black-chested Snake Eagles form monogamous pairs to breed. Their breeding season spans winter and spring – probably as sparser vegetation then makes it easier to catch slithering prey. Females usually lie a single egg in a platform nest built of sticks in the tops of trees or on utility pylons. The egg hatches about 2 months later. The chick is fed by both parents and starts flying at about 3 months old. Fully grown they boast a wingspan of 1.8m and weigh around 1.5kg.
The Black-chested Snake Eagle is distributed widely over east, central and southern Africa, and is considered to be of least concern by the IUCN. It has a rather patchy distribution over most of South Africa, being most frequently encountered in the north-eastern provinces and less often towards the southwest.
DeWetsWild 
Oh I haven’t seen one of these for a long time. Thank you for reminding me of these beautiful snake eagles. It is interesting to see your pics of the immature eagle too.
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The immature bird can be a tricky identification for they look nothing like their parents! We’re lucky that a pair of these beautiful birds breed annually at our “local” Rietvlei Nature Reserve.
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Immature raptors are often so difficult to figure out. Helpful when the adult parents are around to provide a clue!
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Interessant soos altyd dankie!
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Baie dankie Tina!
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Wow… lunch on the wing! That’s first class! >grin< Interesting. I'd love to see that.
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Funny actually to see a snake disappear down an eagle’s gullet in flight; different take on the “chicken or beef?” options we’re given when flying!
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I’m super impressed with those beauties, Dries. Thank you for continuing to share your photos. Life must be busy.
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Although our wings are severely clipped we’re not doing too bad, thanks Tracy! How are you?
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Severely clipped is not fun but glad you are okay. I’m fine too. Not too severely clipped. I can venture out within a few kilometres. Luckily there is a lot to see.
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Wonderful to hear that, Tracy! As of 1 May we can also walk within 5km of our home, sadly the nature reserves remain off-limits and walking in the street isn’t nearly as nice when you’re used to walking in the veld.
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Sadly not, Dries. It is for an excellent cause though.
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What a regal and very handsome looking creature! Your photographs illustrate their magnificence so well.
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Thank you very much, Anne. I’d love to get some more photos of them.
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Another beautiful and regal bird of prey. I do like the fact that both dad and mom share parenting responsibilities!..thanks for the post.
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Our wildlife abounds with beautiful and interesting creatures and we love sharing that!
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Another beauty. Have a great weekend and stay well.
janet
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Same at your end, thanks Janet!
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What a beautiful eagle! I’ve never seen it before. I guess it’s never late to learn. Good post D. 🙂
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Thanks you, H.J! Indeed, the snake eagles aren’t among those getting lots of airtime on NatGeoWild. We’re happy to know we could introduce you!
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I’m impressed the female only lays one egg and that it takes so long to hatch. That makes watchfulness all the more important.
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That’s more parental aptitude than some people display, sadly.
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How very true, yet, when parents are super careful, “friends” will say they smother the children.
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