The Long-Crested Eagle: A Watchful Presence Over Upemba’s Landscapes

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The Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) is one of those birds whose presence seems to command quiet respect. Within the vast mosaic of the Upemba National Park, where wetlands meet wooded savannas and riverine forests edge open grasslands, this distinctive eagle often perches high on a solitary branch or an old tree, motionless but alert – the perfect symbol of patient vigilance in nature.

Its most striking feature is, of course, the long, dark crest that gives the species its name. Raised like a crown, it completes a regal silhouette, especially when the bird is backlit by the afternoon sun over the Lufira’s valley. Its plumage is dark and rich, with white patches flashing on the wings when it takes to the air. The vivid yellow eyes seem to pierce the distance, scanning for the slightest movement on the ground below.

Unlike many eagles that spend their days soaring over vast distances, the Long-crested Eagle prefers stillness and precision. It is a “sit-and-wait” hunter, mastering the art of patience. From its perch, it watches quietly, then drops suddenly and gracefully to seize its prey – most often small rodents. In fact, up to 98% of its diet consists of rats and mice. In this way, the Long-crested Eagle plays a surprisingly practical role in the ecosystem: it is a natural regulator of rodent populations, indirectly supporting the balance between wildlife and agriculture in areas surrounding the park.

Scientifically, the Long-crested Eagle holds a special place. It belongs to a monotypic genus (Lophaetus), meaning it has no close relatives within its group – a lone representative of a unique evolutionary line. Its loud, ringing calls and dramatic courtship flights often echo across the park’s valleys, particularly during the breeding season, when pairs engage in steep dives and rhythmic rocking flights that mark their territory.

As a predator, this eagle occupies a critical rung in the Upemba food web, ensuring that the populations of small mammals remain in balance – a form of top-down ecological regulation that maintains the structure of the ecosystem. Its adaptability to human-altered landscapes, including nearby farmlands and plantations, speaks to its resilience and the importance of maintaining healthy, interconnected habitats beyond the park’s borders.

In many ways, the Long-crested Eagle embodies the spirit of Upemba National Park itself – resilient, vital, and deeply rooted in the fabric of its ecosystem. Each sighting of its distinctive silhouette, crest raised against the sky, is a reminder that conservation is not just about protecting wilderness, but also about sustaining the delicate harmony that allows both nature and people to thrive.

Images: Hugh C. Kinsella