Nest-site selection of the Crowned Hawk-Eagle in the forests of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, and Taï, Ivory Coast

Structural characteristics of Crowned Hawk-Eagle (Stephanoaelus coronatus) nest sites were compared between forests in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, and the Tai National Park, Ivory Coast, and key features of nesting trees and nest-placement sites were identified. Nest-tree heights and nest heights differed appreciably between three tree groups with the highest being indigenous Taï trees (x̄ tree height = 52 m and x̄ nest height = 36 m, N = 8 nests), followed by exotic eucalyptus (x̄ = 44 and 22 m respectively, N = 10) and indigenous trees (x̄ = 24 and 14 m respectively, N = 17) from KwaZulu-Natal. All the nest trees in Taï were emergents, whereas 11 of 17 indigenous nest trees and only two of 10 eucalyptus were so in KwaZulu-Natal. Non-emergent eucalyptus nest trees were predominantly edge trees that may have provided easier access for flying eagles. Overall, nest forks were more accessible for flying eagles than random forks, although access did not differ between nests located in emergent and non-emergent trees. Crowned Hawk-Eagles transport long sticks and heavy prey items to their nests and access was probably the most critical feature of both the nest tree and placement of the nest. Wildlife managers must, therefore, ensure that lone-standing or emergent trees are cultivated and conserved, and flight paths to nests are kept open to allow Crowned Hawk-Eagles continued and easy access to their nests.