The crested serpent eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. This bird builds its nest in treetops using tree branches with only one egg produced per clutch. Snakes, lizards, small birds, and rodents are fed to the young. The males obtain food and pass it to the females, which are responsible for feedings. As the juveniles mature, females place the food in the nest for them to eat on their own.