Common name: Short-toed Snake Eagle
Scientific name: Circaetus gallicus
Family: Accipitridae

Size:
Body length: 62–70 cm
Wingspan: 160–190 cm
Weight: 1200–2300 g

Identification:
A large, pale eagle with broad wings and a relatively large, rounded head. The underparts are mostly white with varying brown streaking, while the upperparts are brown. The head appears bulky with bright yellow eyes, giving it a distinctive “owl-like” expression. The tail is short and barred. In flight, it often shows a pale underside and a contrasting darker trailing edge to the wings.

Habitat:
Open landscapes, rocky hillsides, dry grasslands, scrublands, and semi-arid regions. Often associated with areas rich in reptiles.

Status in the UAE:
Passage migrant and winter visitor. Regularly observed in desert and open habitats.

Diet:
Carnivorous — specializes in reptiles, particularly snakes, but also takes lizards and occasionally small mammals.

Behavior:
Often seen soaring or hovering while scanning the ground for prey. Hunts by dropping onto prey from height. Known for its ability to handle venomous snakes. Usually solitary or seen in pairs. Migrates across the Middle East in significant numbers.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)