Short-toed snake eagle

The short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus) is a sizeable diurnal bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. It measures between 62 and 70 cm in length, with a wingspan of up to 188 cm; females are slightly larger than males. It is notable for its broad head with a dark "hood" that extends down to the chest, its forward-facing yellow eyes — unusual among diurnal raptors — and brown upperparts that contrast with pale underparts barred with dark.

Its wings are long and broad, and its broad-banded tail has a straight end.

It breeds across much of Europe and in parts of western and central Asia as far as India, where some populations are resident. European populations are migratory and winter in sub-Saharan Africa between September and April. It prefers open landscapes with a Mediterranean climate, with low scrub and arid or semi-arid areas below 2,000 m in altitude, conditions that favour an abundance of reptiles.

It is a specialist in catching snakes and other reptiles, which it locates by hovering in the air over its hunting territory. Once it spots its prey, it drops onto it and subdues it with a precise peck to the nape. Occasionally it also eats frogs, lizards, small mammals, birds and insects.

During courtship, between March and April, the male performs diving flights and brings food to the female. The clutch consists of a single egg, which is incubated for about 40 days; the chick stays in the nest for 60 to 80 days before flying.

Unlike most diurnal raptors, it has more forward-facing eyes, an adaptation that helps it to spot snakes camouflaged among the vegetation on the ground.