Short-toed Snake-eagle

Circaetus gallicus

(C. g. gallicus)

Armenian Name:	Օձակեր արծիվ
Species Status:	Undetermined Species - Species of Special Concern

See Plate 8 for Short-toed Snake-eagle and other similar species See Plate 14 for Short-toed Snake-eagle and other similar species in flight

Flight Characteristics:	Long broad wings with bulging secondaries. From below, shows primarily white wings and body, usually dark upper breast and wing tips, and relatively long banded tail. Soars on level wings and glides with innerwing raised, carpal joint forward, and outerwing slightly lowered. Regularly hovers and quarters slowly over ground looking for prey, often at great heights.
Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Uncommon
Length:	62-67 cm, Wing Span:185-195 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 35.
Description:	Large raptor with a broad head, long broad wings, and tail with 3-4 distinct bands. Variable in color; lightest phase is pale brown above, whitish below with faint markings and dark wingtips. Darkest phase is gray-brown above with more prominent barring below and hooded appearance due to dark head and upper breast.
Similar Species:	Differs from Osprey and light phase of European Honey-Buzzard by pale carpal area and larger size.
Behavior:	Frequently hovers. Hunts alone or in pairs, beginning late in the morning when air and ground are warm and reptiles become active.
Habitat:	Dry steppe near woodland and cliffs, to 3000 m.
Food:	Primarily snakes, but also other reptiles and small vertebrates.
Nest:	Small platform of twigs lined with green vegetation in tree.
Eggs:	74 mm, 1, white.