Circaetus

Circaetus is a genus of birds of prey in the family Accipitridae. The genus name Circaetus comes from the Greek words kirkos, meaning "ring" or "circle," and aetos, meaning "eagle." This likely refers to the bird's soaring flight pattern. Members of this genus are commonly known as snake eagles, reflecting their primary diet.

Snake eagles are found in southern Europe, Asia, and Africa. They inhabit a range of open habitats, including savannas, grasslands, open woodlands, and cultivated fields. Their diet consists mainly of snakes, but they will also consume lizards, rodents, and other small animals. Snake eagles are characterized by their large heads, short legs, and powerful talons. They typically hunt by soaring high in the air and then diving down to catch their prey.

The genus Circaetus currently contains four recognized species: the short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus), the bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus), the brown snake eagle (Circaetus cinereus), and the southern banded snake eagle (Circaetus fasciolatus). Some classifications may vary regarding the exact number of species and their placement within the genus. These birds are generally solitary and territorial. Breeding pairs typically lay a single egg per clutch. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Conservation status varies among the species, with some facing threats from habitat loss and persecution.