Circaetus

/sɜːrˈkeɪtəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of large eagles, commonly called snake eagles or short-toed eagles, known for hunting snakes and reptiles.

Etymology

From Latin circa (circular, around) combined with aetus (eagle), referring to how these eagles circle in the sky while hunting. The genus name was established in scientific nomenclature during the development of ornithology.

Kelly Says

Snake eagles have eyesight so extraordinary that they can spot a viper moving through grass from hundreds of feet in the air—their hunting strategy is literally to circle until they see prey, then dive with talons spread wide to grab snakes mid-strike.

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