Animal of the Day #1

First animal of the day post!

Today’s animal is... the Crested Eagle (Morphnus Guianensis)!!

The crested eagle is a large, rare eagle found in lowland and foothill forests in much of Central and South America.  Despite its wide range, the crested eagle is sparsely distributed and rarely seen.

Crested eagle distribution map (as of 2014)

The crested eagle is 28–35 in. long, sports a 4'6"–5'9” wingspan, and weighs anywhere from 2.6–6.6 lbs. The plumage of crested eagles can vary. Two common morphs are a light brownish grey and a sooty-grey or blackish color. Juvenile crested eagles have a white head and chest with marbled gray coloration on the wings and back. Crested eagles, like their name, have a large crest on their heads.

Crested eagles are still-hunters with a diet of small mammals (small monkeys, arboreal rodents, sloths), reptiles (snakes and iguanas), tree frogs, and other birds (jays, trumpeters, and guans). Interestingly, their diet varies greatly on an individual level. 

Some facts about the crested eagle:

• The crested eagle is listed as near threatened and declining due to habitat loss.

• Crested eagles are close relatives of the harpy eagle.

• There is evidence of an interspecific relationship between crested eagles and harpy eagles.

Two crested eagles showing a darker and lighter plumage morph

comment below if you have any animals you'd like to see in the future! :]