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Post by bob on Oct 17, 2009 8:16:55 GMT -5
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Post by bob on Oct 17, 2009 8:19:04 GMT -5
The Crowned Eagle or Crowned Hawk-eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus), is a very large, powerful, crested bird of prey (80–90 cm [2.6-3 ft] long, approximately) found in tropical Africa south of the Sahara; in Southern Africa it is a common resident in suitable habitat in the eastern areas. It is the only extant member of the genus Stephanoaetus.
Its staple diet consists of monkeys (particularly those of the genus Chlorocebus) and other medium-sized mammals), such as the Cape Hyrax and small antelopes. To a far lesser extent, birds and monitor lizards are also taken. However 98% of the diet is mammalian.
While it, on average, weighs less and has a smaller wing-span than the Martial Eagle (the total length of the two is very similar), the Crowned Eagle is Africa's most powerful and ferocious eagle in terms of the weight and nature of prey taken. It preys on mammals, especially duikers, weighing up to 34 kg (75 lbs). Due to their similarities, the Crowned Eagle is often considered Africa's analogue of the Harpy Eagle.
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