Crested Serpent-Eagle

This feather belongs to a medium-large raptor known for its prominent bushy crest and yellow facial skin. The bird is dark brown overall with fine white spotting on the underparts. In flight, it displays a very distinctive wide white band across the tail and wings, which matches the bold banding seen on this individual feather.

Boldly banded with alternating wide dark chocolate-brown and pale buff/cream-colored horizontal bars. The dark bands are slightly wider than the light ones.

Strongly pennaceous and interlocked for flight efficiency; the base transitions into soft, downy plumulaceous barbs near the calamus (quill).

The dorsal surface is smooth and slightly glossy; the leading edge is stiff to cut through air, while the overall vane is firm yet flexible.

Distinctive wide, high-contrast dark and light brown banding; large size; high rigidity characteristic of Accipitridae flight feathers.

Low to mid-elevation evergreen forests, forest edges, and wooded areas near water sources like rivers and streams in East Asia.

Resident throughout South and Southeast Asia. The subspecies S. c. hoya is endemic to the island of Taiwan.

Apex predator in its forest ecosystem. It plays a vital role in controlling reptile populations and serves as an indicator of forest health.

Mountain Hawk-Eagle (larger, thinner bands), Oriental Honey-buzzard (more variable plumage, usually thinner banding on secondaries).

Crested Serpent-Eagles are specialists that primarily hunt snakes, including venomous species. They are highly vocal birds, often heard screaming a loud 'whi-whi-whi-whi-wheee' while soaring over the forest canopy.

Good condition. The feather appears to be a natural molt from late spring. Minor wear is visible at the tip, and some separation of the barbs near the base suggests it may have been in the water for a short time.

Find in the river near low height forest in east Taiwan in may