Circaetinae

Circaetinae is a subfamily of the family Accipitridae. It includes medium to large broad-winged birds of prey. These birds mainly eat snakes and other reptiles. Because of this, they are often called "snake-eagles" or "serpent-eagles". Two exceptions are the bateleur, which hunts many types of animals, and the Philippine eagle, which likes to eat mammals and birds.

Most of these birds live in warmer parts of the Old World. Some live in south Asia and others live in Africa. One species, the short-toed eagle, moves between temperate Eurasia and Africa. It can also be found in India.

These birds have special features that help them catch their food. They have hooked beaks for tearing flesh, strong legs, and powerful talons. They also have very sharp eyesight, which lets them see their food from far away.

Taxonomy

The subfamily Circaetinae was named in 1851 by the English scientist Edward Blyth. He used Circaetus as the main example to describe this group of birds, called the type genus.

Scientists learned more about how these birds are related in a 2024 study. This research was shared at the International Ornithological Congress.