The black-chested snake eagle (Circaetus pectoralis) is a large bird of prey found in sub-Saharan Africa. It reaches a length of 63-71 cm (25-28 in) and a wingspan of 160-185 cm (5 ft 3 in – 6 ft 1 in). It can sometimes be confused with the much larger, and only slightly similar martial eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus). The black-chested snake eagle has black to dark brown upperparts, wings, head, chest and white underparts. It has yellow eyes and a black beak. In contrast to the martial eagle, it does not have spotted undersides and feathered legs (as is common on true eagles). Juveniles are paler and rufous in color and have more of a barred and spotted pattern on the chest and belly which gradually disappears as it matures. It takes three years to reach adult plumage.