Bateleur Eagle
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/frielp/">frielp</a> (CC BY 2.0)
NameBateleur Eagle
Common NameBateleur Eagle
Scientific NameTerathopius ecaudatus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)175
Length (cm)60
Weight (g)2500
Plumage DetailsJuveniles, as seen in the image, are mostly dull brown with pale feather edges, a pale cere, and greyish-yellow legs. Adult males and females have glossy black plumage with chestnut shoulders, white underwing coverts, and a distinctive red face, cere, and legs. The back is grey, and the tail is extremely short.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of barks, hoots, and screams, often described as a 'kau-kau-kau' or 'ko-ko-ko-ko-ko-ah' sound. They can also produce a loud 'wha-wha-wha' call, especially during display flights.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, open woodland
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeFound across sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal and Mauritania east to Somalia, and south to South Africa.
Identifying Featuresextremely short tail, broad wings, red facial skin and legs (adults), brown plumage (juveniles), yellowish-grey cere (juveniles), distinctive flight pattern (rocking from side to side)
Description
The Bateleur Eagle is a medium-sized eagle known for its distinctive short tail and broad wings, giving it a unique silhouette in flight. Juveniles, like the one pictured, are predominantly brown, while adults display striking black, white, and chestnut plumage with a vibrant red face and legs.
