Spilornis cheela malayensis

(Swann, 1920)

Vernacular names
English : Crested serpent-eagle
French : Serpentaire bacha

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Accipitridae
Notes : 13 other subspecies known.

Identification
White-tipped black crest, naked yellow skin on face. Brown wings with white dots, rufous-brown belly with dark-edged white spots. Subspecies with rich brown plumage.

Range and habitat
Subspecies occurs in Peninsular Malaysia, north Sumatra and Anambas island. Found in forests, mangroves, plantations and woodlands, up to 3000 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is adaptable and can occur near cultivated areas and gardens. Some insular subspecies are threatened. Numerous wild caught animals kept in Asian zoos, almost no breeding.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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