Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori)

The Black-and Chestnut Eagle was one of the highlights of our trip to Colombia. While we were not able to see it in the wild (it is said to occur in Yarumo Blanco SFF), but one individual was in display at CRARSI (Centro de Reabilitación de Aves Rapaces de San Isidro). It is a large bird of prey with a meter and a half wingspan, able to grab and eat Guans (which are big birds), monkeys and coatis, along other medium-sized mammals. Their plumage is black overall, with a chestnut belly and chest. Their piercing eyes are bright yellow, and its gaze can be scary to see from up close. It is very sad to know that birds this magnificent are held as pets in cages on people’s houses. They should be born to be free.