The only bird known to hunt humans: 5 facts that you should know about the predator

When we think of dangerous animals that might pose a threat to humans, birds rarely come to mind unless it's a seagull trying to snatch the sandwich in your hand. But in the heart of sub-Saharan Africa, there’s a raptor that is so powerful and quick that it has even preyed on humans and so far remains the only bird to have been documented as one of this kind.

This bird is called the Crowned Eagle, and it is also one of the most formidable birds of prey in the world. While it typically hunts smaller animals, there’s scary forensic evidence suggesting it may also target human children.

And surprisingly, this is not any folklore. The researchers have actually discovered human remains in the crowned eagle nests and have studied injuries on prehistoric human skulls that match the bird’s hunting style. This bird is an example that in some corners of the world, the line between predator and prey can blur in ways we never expect. Here are five interesting facts that shed light on this terrifying bird.

The crowned eagle is not the largest raptor on the continent, but it is the most powerful one. This predatory bird weighs between 3 to 5 kilograms, and has a wingspan that can reach over 6 feet, its strength lies in its thick legs and massive talons. These talons are strong enough to crush the skulls or spines of prey in a single strike. In dense African forests, where aerial speed is less useful, power and attention to detail give this eagle a deadly advantage.

This predatory bird is mainly found in the forested areas of sub-Saharan Africa, and its preferred diet includes primates like vervet monkeys, as well as small to medium-sized antelopes such as duikers. It hunts from perches by launching sudden and silent ambush attacks. Once it strikes, it carries prey into the trees, sometimes alive, to feed or store for later. Something that sets it apart is its preference for large, fleshy mammals in contrast to the other birds of prey that prefer scavenging or smaller prey.

This predatory bird is mainly found in the forested areas of sub-Saharan Africa, and its preferred diet includes primates like vervet monkeys, as well as small to medium-sized antelopes such as duikers. It hunts from perches by launching sudden and silent ambush attacks. Once it strikes, it carries prey into the trees, sometimes alive, to feed or store for later. Something that sets it apart is its preference for large, fleshy mammals in contrast to the other birds of prey that prefer scavenging or smaller prey.

Though birds attacking humans isn’t unheard of, making the humans a meal is something else entirely. The crowned eagle holds the unique and eerie spot of being the only bird known to have hunted humans. While such incidents are rare and often involve very small children, it sets the crowned eagle apart in the animal kingdom. Most large birds avoid humans entirely, but this species shows that in the right or wrong circumstances, human beings might not be off the menu.

Even though this bird is a formidable predator, the crowned eagle is facing growing threats due to deforestation and habitat loss. Its dependence on large forested areas for hunting and nesting makes it vulnerable to human development. In some areas, it is persecuted by locals who fear it may pose a threat to livestock or even children. Conservationists are working to protect its habitat and educate communities about the ecological role this apex predator plays in maintaining balance in forest ecosystems.