Crowned solitary eagle

The Chaco eagle is a large raptor with a mostly dull and silvery grey body plumage. Its short black tail has a broad white medial band as well as a white tip and both its cere and legs are yellow. As its name indicates, the Crowned Solitary Eagle has a crest of darker grey feathers. The juvenile also has a crest but its colour dark brown, except for it creamy head and underbody which are both have grey streaks. It is one of the largest raptors in the Neotropics and normally weighs around 2.95 kg (6.5 lb).

Distribution and habitat

This bird is endemic to the Americas and can be found in eastern and central South America. It is present in southern and central Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and its range extends to Northern Patagonia in Argentina. The status of the Chaco Eagle is uncertain in Uruguay, where it hasn't been seen in decades and is believed to be extinct. It has been extirpated from portions of its historical range and is found in very low density throughout its range, making it one of the rarest and most threatened raptors in the Neotropical region. Only 250-999 mature individuals are left, while the total individual count of the species reaches 375-1499 birds.

The eagle can be found in semi open habitats such as open mixed grasslands, brushlands, savannahs, marshes and open woodlands. Also, the presence of large trees in the habitat is very important for the Chaco eagle since they are used for nesting.

Hunting

Their diet consists of birds, mammals (in particular skunks and armadillos), reptiles, carrion, and fish. They probably still-hunt from a perch.

Conservation status

Crowned Solitary Eagles are listed as Endangered by BirdLife International since they have a very small and declining population of 250-999 individuals. They face severe threats, since their habitats are being destroyed by agriculture, cattle ranching, invasive grasses, afforestation, pesticides, annual burning, and colonization, and the eagles are shot and deliberately disturbed.