This is bird note.

Snake eagles are pretty incredible.

That name, Snake Eagle, may conjure up some kind of fearsome sci-fi hybrid, spawned in a secret laboratory.

But snake eagles are for real, and they are awesome, big birds of prey. When a soaring snake eagle spots a

delicious snake, it swoops down suddenly, grabbing with its talons. Then it immediately flies

upward as the snake writhes and strikes. The first order of business is to minimize the danger,

so the eagle crushes or tears off the snake's head.

Still in the wind, it then swallows the entire snake head first.

Snake eagles are a bit smaller than bald eagles.

There are six different species, and they live mainly in Africa, although one ranges as far as Europe and India.

Snake eagle legs and toes are covered in thick scales that help protect them from bites,

and bites are a serious risk.

Snake eagles take on some of the swiftest and deadliest snakes in the world,

like cobras and black mambas.

But not every meal is a battle with a deadly adversary. When not snatching snakes,

snake eagles may also hunt lizards, rodents, and even bats or fish. For Bird Note, I'm Michael Stein.

Support comes from Wild Delight Bird Food,

offering a variety of blends designed to mimic the natural resources wild birds crave.

Available at chewy.com.