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What is a Bateleur?

Bethney Foster
Bethney Foster

The bateleur is a type of eagle found in the tree savannas and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. The bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus is in the family Accipitridae, which is made up of raptors, buzzards, and harriers. The bateleur is the only animal in the genus Terathopius and is the national emblem of Zimbabwe.

A medium-sized eagle, the bateleur nests in trees. The bird has a short tail and can be as much as 30 inches (75 cm) long and weighs more than 6 pounds (2.8 kg). The wingspan can be nearly 6 feet (175 cm). The male bird is usually smaller than the female.

Veterinarian with a puppy
Veterinarian with a puppy

The bird is colorful, with black plumage and markings of chestnut and gray. The underside of the eagle's wings is white. The face, bill, and legs of the adult birds are red. These colors can vary from pale to bright red, depending on the bird's mood. Juvenile birds are brown and white with green faces.

The birds mate for life and often return to the same nest for several years in a row. There will often be an unmated bird at the nest with the parent birds, though the unmated bird doesn’t help with the care of the young. The female lays one egg, which she incubates for about 42 days. Once the egg hatches, the baby bird remains in the nest for 90 to 125 days.

The father bird collects food and sticks for the nest while the mother incubates the eggs. Once the fledgling leaves the nest, its parents will continue to feed it for an additional 100 days. The bird may not reach full maturity for seven to eight years. Only about 2 percent of those that hatch make it to adulthood.

Also known as the conifer eagle and pine eagle, the bateleur preys on smaller birds and small mammals. Known as one of the snake eagles, it does sometimes feed on snakes, but is more likely to eat carrion. The bateleur hunts in flights about 150 feet (about 46 m) from the ground. When prey is spotted, the birds spiral down to catch their meals.

Silent most of the time, the bateleur does have a variety of barks and screams that it will sound on occasion. The term bateleur is French for tight-rope walker or acrobat and refers to this type of eagle’s habit of tipping its wings in flight and its aerial maneuvers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bateleur?

A Bateleur is a medium-sized eagle known for its distinctive appearance and impressive flight skills. It has a short tail and long wings, which contribute to its exceptional balance and agility in the air. The Bateleur is native to sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, where it inhabits open savanna and woodland areas.

How did the Bateleur get its name?

The name 'Bateleur' is French for 'street performer,' which aptly describes the bird's remarkable aerial acrobatics. Its flight is characterized by rocking and tilting motions, reminiscent of a tightrope walker's balancing act. This unique behavior, along with its striking plumage, makes the Bateleur a standout species among birds of prey.

What does a Bateleur eagle look like?

The Bateleur eagle is known for its vivid coloration and distinctive silhouette. Adults have black plumage with chestnut shoulders and a grey back. Their faces are bright red with a black beak, and they have bare red skin around the eyes. Juveniles are less colorful, with brownish bodies and tails that gradually shorten as they mature.

What is the conservation status of the Bateleur?

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Bateleur is currently listed as Endangered. Habitat loss, poisoning, and persecution are significant threats to their population. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this species and ensure its survival in the wild.

What does the Bateleur eagle eat?

The Bateleur eagle is a carnivorous bird that preys on a variety of animals. Its diet includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and carrion. It is known for its keen eyesight and hunting prowess, often capturing prey after a swift, low flight over the savannas or by scavenging at carcasses.

How does the Bateleur contribute to its ecosystem?

The Bateleur plays a vital role in its ecosystem by controlling rodent and other small animal populations, thus maintaining a balanced food chain. As a scavenger, it also helps in cleaning the environment by consuming carrion. Its presence indicates a healthy ecosystem, making it an important species for biodiversity.

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    • Veterinarian with a puppy
      Veterinarian with a puppy