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Spilornis cheela

Crested Serpent Eagle

BirdBest Season: Jan–Dec

Best locations

46

Expert creators

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Field Reports (12 months)

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Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) — wildlife photography in India

(c) Jono Dashper, all rights reserved, uploaded by Jono Dashper

About this species

One of India's most widespread forest raptors, the Crested Serpent Eagle soars over forests with a distinctive, far-carrying "kweee" call. Its bold fan crest is spectacular in display. It specialises in hunting snakes and lizards from perches. Common in all forested reserves from the Terai to the Western Ghats. Watch Crested Serpent Eagles soaring over India's forests. Snake eagle guide — calls, identification, and best forest reserves.

Quick facts

Scientific name
Spilornis cheela
Category / family
Bird · —
Best months to photograph
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Difficulty to spot
Moderate
Best locations
Jim Corbett National ParkAnamalai Tiger ReserveKaziranga National ParkBandipur National ParkBannerghatta National ParkBarnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Field Reports

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Best locations for Crested Serpent Eagle

Reserves and landscapes where our photographers reliably encounter this species, with links to place-specific guides.

UttarakhandJim Corbett National Park
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Tamil NaduAnamalai Tiger Reserve
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AssamKaziranga National Park
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KarnatakaBandipur National Park
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KarnatakaBannerghatta National Park
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ChhattisgarhBarnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
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When and Where to Photograph Crested Serpent Eagle

One of India's most widespread forest raptors, the Crested Serpent Eagle soars over forests with a distinctive, far-carrying "kweee" call. Its bold fan crest is spectacular in display. It specialises in hunting snakes and lizards from perches. Common in all forested reserves from the Terai to the Western Ghats. Watch Crested Serpent Eagles soaring over India's forests. Snake eagle guide — calls, identification, and best forest reserves.

Plan field days around Jan–Dec: light is often strongest at dawn and dusk, when many mammals and birds are most active. Work with a naturalist who knows local movement patterns — they will position you ethically while improving your odds of a encounter in Jim Corbett National Park.

Related species

  • Sarus Crane
  • Malabar Pied Hornbill
  • Great Indian Bustard
  • Indian Peafowl
  • Western Tragopan
  • Goliath Heron
  • Fire-Tailed Sunbird
  • Andaman Serpent Eagle
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