Colours
Distinguishing features
They can be recognised in the field by their predominantly white underside, the upper parts being greyish brown. The chin, throat and upper breast are a pale, earthy brown. The tail has 3 or 4 bars.
Additional indications are an owl-like rounded head, brightly yellow eyes and lightly barred under wing. (Wikipedia)
Size
- Up to 67 cm (Length of specimen)
Wingspan
- Up to 185 cm
Synonyms
Distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
It is spread throughout the Mediterranean basin and into Russia and the Middle East, and into parts of Asia, mainly in the Indian Subcontinent and also further east in some Indonesian islands.
The Short-toed Snake Eagle is found in open cultivated plains, arid stony deciduous scrub areas and foothills and semi-desert areas. It requires trees for nesting. (Wikipedia)
Diet
Its prey is mostly reptiles, mainly snakes, but also some lizards. Sometimes they become entangled with larger snakes and battle on the ground. Occasionally, they prey on small mammals up to the size of a rabbit, and rarely birds and large insects. (Wikipedia)
