Bateleur Eagle
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/65695019@N07">Bernard DUPONT</a> from FRANCE (CC BY-SA 2.0)
NameBateleur Eagle
Common NameBateleur Eagle
Scientific NameTerathopius ecaudatus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)175
Length (cm)60
Weight (g)2500
Plumage DetailsAdult males have glossy black plumage on the head, body, and flight feathers, contrasting with grey upperwing coverts. The back is chestnut, and the rump and tail are black. The bare facial skin, cere, and legs are bright red.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce a loud, barking 'kau-kau-kau' or a series of hoarse croaks and whistles, especially during display flights.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, open woodland
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, preferring open country with scattered trees.
Identifying Featuresbright red facial skin and legs, very short tail, black body plumage, grey upperwing coverts, chestnut back (in adults)
Description
A striking medium-sized eagle known for its distinctive short tail and vibrant red facial skin and legs. This highly aerial raptor spends much of its day soaring over savannas and open woodlands in search of prey.
