Circaetus pectoralis Black-chested Snake Eagle Swartborsslangarend
Kamonande
A breeding resident. Fairly common and widespread across the Waterberg, it is the third most commonly recorded bird of prey after Black-winged Kite and Steppe Buzzard (recorded in 61% of the Waterberg pentads); it is usually encountered singly, either perched on a telephone pole or seen soaring and, unlike other eagles, it often hovers while hunting. Pairs probably defend year-round territories, returning to breed each winter close to a previous year's nest. Breeds in winter.
A breeding resident. Fairly common and widespread across the Waterberg, it is the third most commonly recorded bird of prey after Black-winged Kite and Steppe Buzzard (recorded in 61% of the Waterberg pentads); it is usually encountered singly, either perched on a telephone pole or seen soaring and, unlike other eagles, it often hovers while hunting. Pairs probably defend year-round territories, returning to breed each winter close to a previous year's nest. Breeds in winter.
Vaalwater, Mar 2021
Eerste Geluk, Mar 2020
Bokpoort, Nov 2017
Kralingen, Sep 2019
immature
immature
Alma, Dec 2019
juvenile
juvenile
Grootfontein, Dec 2017
Renosterhoekspruit, Jan 2018
Lindani, Feb 2018
Grootfontein, Jun 2018
Winter breeders, laying in May or June. Here a typical nest site on top of a thorn tree, the bird incubating is just visible. The nest is smaller than those of other eagles and re-use of the same nest in successive years is the exception rather than the rule.
Modimolle, Aug 2014