Species profile
About this species
The Crested Eagle is a large bird of prey found in the tropical rainforests of Central & South America, ranging from southern Mexico to Bolivia & Brazil. It is distinguished by its prominent single-pointed crest, pale underparts, & boldly barred wings & tail. Though related to the Harpy Eagle, it is a more slender & less heavily built raptor, feeding primarily on snakes, lizards, & small mammals.
Dense lowland tropical rainforest & humid montane forest across Central & South America, typically below 1,000 metres elevation, where it favours areas near rivers & forest interior away from heavy human disturbance.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Crested Eagle with us in Colombia.
These departures are part of our South America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours between dawn & 09:00 local time during the dry season offer the best combination of soft directional light & increased bird activity. The dry season months - typically December to April depending on location - reduce canopy density & improve visibility.
Position yourself near forest clearings or river edges where the eagle may perch on exposed branches, allowing cleaner sightlines through the dense canopy. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze any sudden head movements or wing adjustments, & a telephoto lens of 500mm or longer to maintain a respectful distance. Scout the area with a local guide who knows active nest or roost sites, as this greatly increases the chance of a prolonged sighting.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Crested Eagle
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.