Spilornis cheela (Crested Serpent Eagle) - Sikkim Bird

Spilornis cheela (Crested Serpent Eagle), 

Venue: Sirwani, Singtam,  South Sikkim, 

Date: February 16 2014, 

Pic: Shital Pradhan

The Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) is an amazing bird of prey many people love to see! This bird is not very big, but it is very strong. Its wings can stretch out about 120 to 140 centimetres wide. One cool thing about this eagle is its special crest of feathers on its head that can stand up or lay flat, making it look like a little king of the sky!

The eagle has dark brown feathers with lighter spots on its wings and a pretty white band on its tail. This helps it blend in with the trees to hide from its prey. Its sharp yellow eyes help it see well, so it can find snakes and small animals to eat.

The Crested Serpent Eagle can be found in places like South and Southeast Asia. Its specific name, cheela, comes from the Hindi word for kites, which are another type of bird. This eagle likes to sit on tall trees and look around for food. 

Accipiter trivirgatus (Crested Goshawk) - Sikkim Bird

Accipiter trivirgatus (Crested Goshawk)

Place : Shantinagar, Singtam,  East Sikkim
Date: April 6,  2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan

The Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus) is a stunning bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. This medium-sized raptor is notable for its prominent crest, robust build, and broad wings, making it well-adapted for hunting in dense forest habitats. Its striking plumage features a mix of grey and brown, providing excellent camouflage among the foliage.

Primarily found in the lush forests of Southeast Asia, including Sikkim, Myanmar, and Thailand, the Crested Goshawk preys on birds and small mammals, showcasing remarkable agility and speed while hunting. With keen eyesight and powerful talons, it is a formidable predator.

Generally solitary or found in pairs, this bird communicates through sharp calls during the breeding season. Both parents participate in raising their young, highlighting a remarkable teamwork dynamic. The Crested Goshawk represents the delicate balance of nature, reminding us of the importance of preserving its habitat for future generations.