Spilornis Explained

Spilornis is a genus of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. As adults all have dark crowns, and bright yellow eyes and cere.[1] These medium-sized raptors are found in forests of southern Asia and are known as serpent-eagles, an English name shared with two African species from the genera Dryotriorchis and Eutriorchis.[1]

Etymology

el|σπιλος spilos "spot"; ορνις ornis, ορνιθος ornithos "bird".[2]

Species

As traditionally defined, there are 6 species in this genus. It has been proposed that several small island populations, usually included in the Crested Serpent Eagle, be split into separate species.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Ferguson-Lees & Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London.
  2. Book: Jobling . J.A.. 2017. Key to Scientific Names in Ornithology. https://www.hbw.com/dictionary/definition/spilornis . subscription . del Hoyo. J.. Elliott. A.. Sargatal. J.. Christie . D.A.. de Juana. E. . Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive . subscription . Barcelona. Lynx Edicions.