In other words, every day is worth looking forward to, as each day brings new opportunities.

千萬不能小看大冠鷲。

Never Underestimate the Power of Crested Serpent Eagle.

大冠鷲位於生態系食物鏈的頂端，以爬蟲類和兩棲類為主食，尤其嗜食蛇類，所以又稱蛇鷹或蛇雕。一隻大冠鷲的存在代表著生態系中擁有充沛的食物來源，蛇、鼠、蛙、蟲和大面積的森林缺一不可。因此當我們在天空看見一隻大冠鷲自由地遨翔時，代表著我們住家附近還擁有完整健全的自環境。

The Crested Serpent Eagle sits at the top of the ecological food chain, primarily feeding on reptiles and amphibians, with a particular preference for snakes. This is why it is also known as the “Serpent Eagle” or “Snake Hawk.” The presence of a Crested Serpent Eagle signifies an ecosystem rich in food sources—such as snakes, rodents, frogs, insects—as well as the necessity of vast forested areas.

千萬不能小看大冠鷲。

Never Underestimate the Power of Crested Serpent Eagle.

猛禽為了捕食其他動物必須有足夠的體重做為衝力，因此必須利用上升的熱氣流才能順利飛翔，當大冠鷲出現時就表示有旺盛的熱氣流，所有的猛禽不管是在地的或是遷移的都會利用這股上升的氣流，因此由盤旋的大冠鷲往上搜尋，常常可以發現其他猛禽。

For raptors to hunt successfully , they need sufficient body weight to generate the momentum required for their strike. To stay aloft efficiently, they rely on rising thermal currents. When the Crested Serpent Eagle appears, it signals the presence of strong thermals.

All raptors, whether resident or migratory, take advantage of these rising air currents. By following the spiraling ascent of a Crested Serpent Eagle, one can often spot other raptors soaring even higher above.

千萬不可小看大冠鷲。

Never Underestimate the Power of Crested Serpent Eagle.

大冠鷲（Spilornis cheela）的種名源自北印度語cheel，意思為某種鷹。學名全意為「北印度稱為cheela的蛇雕 」，在當時這是對這一屬猛禽流行的命名法。蛇雕屬是分類最複雜的猛禽，也是亞種最多的猛禽之一，分佈由印度至中南半島、東南亞到中國華南、台灣和琉球群島南部。最少可分為6個種，最多可分為13個種，其中大冠鷲最多區分成22個亞種，台灣的大冠鷲則是屬於特有亞種留鳥。

The scientific name of the Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) originates from the North Indian word cheel, which refers to a type of hawk or eagle. The full scientific name essentially means “the serpent eagle called cheela in North India,” following a common naming convention for raptors at the time.The Spilornis genus is one of the most taxonomically complex groups of raptors and has one of the highest numbers of subspecies. Its distribution ranges from India to the Indochinese Peninsula, Southeast Asia, southern China, Taiwan, and the southern Ryukyu Islands. Depending on classification, it can be divided intoas few as six species or as many as thirteen. Among them, the Crested Serpent Eagle has the most subspecies, with up to 22 recognized variations. The Crested Serpent Eagle found in Taiwan is a unique, endemic subspecies and a resident bird.

千萬不可小看大冠鷲。

Never Underestimate the Power of Crested Serpent Eagle.

大冠鷲的體型大，飛行緩慢而穩重，由於棲息在低中海拔，常被其他小鳥如大捲尾欺負，不過可別因此以為他的飛行技術不好。在二到四月的求偶期間，兩隻大冠鷲會四爪相扣表演對爪的高速俯衝旋轉特技，以測試兩隻雄鳥之間的膽量與力氣、或是取得雌鳥的信賴託付。

The Crested Serpent Eagle is a large raptor, with slow and steady flight. Since it inhabits low- to mid-altitude areas, it is often harassed by smaller birds like the Black Drongo. However, do not mistake this for poor flying skills.During the breeding season from February to April, two Crested Serpent Eagles engage in an impressive aerial display, locking talons and performing high-speed diving spins. This maneuver serves as a test of courage and strength between two males or as a way for a male to earn the trust of a female.

千萬不可小看大冠鷲。