Crested Serpent Eagle
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae, Genus: Spilornis, Species: Spilornis cheela · Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) · Secondary flight feather (Remiges), likely from the mid-wing section (S4-S6).
Species
Spilornis cheela
Feather Type
Secondary flight feather (Remiges), likely from the mid-wing section (S4-S6).
Family
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
Shape
Broad and slightly asymmetrical with a rounded, blunt tip. The leading edge (outer vane) is narrower than the trailing edge (inner vane), typical of secondary feathers designed for lift.
Size
Approximately 22-26 cm (8.5-10 inches) in length. This matches the large wingspan of a medium-to-large raptor, where secondaries typically fall in this range.
Rarity
Common within its specific range and habitat, though as a top predator, it is less numerous than songbirds.
Color & Pattern
Signature dark chocolate brown to charcoal base. It features a prominent, broad white subterminal band and smaller white spotting/mottling along the inner vane, a diagnostic trait for this species.
Barb Structure
Strongly pennaceous and tightly interlocked for aerodynamic efficiency. The base shows a small amount of plumulaceous (downy) structure near the calamus for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and matte on the dorsal surface with a slight waxy feel for water resistance. The trailing edge is soft but firm, designed for silent and stable flight.
Description
A medium-large raptor with a distinctive bushy crest. Adults are dark brown with fine white spotting on the underparts and a very striking wide white band across the tail and wings visible in flight.
Key Features
Bold white band across the dark wing feather, broad rounded tip, and white spots on the inner vane near the base.
Habitat
Primary and secondary tropical and subtropical forests, edge habitats, and sometimes wooded agricultural areas or mangroves.
Geographic Range
Widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Southern China, Southeast Asia, and specifically common in Taiwan (subspecies S. c. hoya).
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Shows signs of natural wear (weathering) and some splitting of the barbs near the tip, likely a molted feather found on the ground.
Interesting Facts
This eagle is a specialist ophiphage, meaning it primarily eats snakes. It has thick scales on its legs to protect it from venomous bites.
Ecological Role
Apex predator controlling snake and lizard populations; serves as an indicator species for the health of forest ecosystems.
Similar Species
Mountain Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus nipalensis) feathers have more numerous, narrower bands; Oriental Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) has different banding spacing.