Bateleur
Terathopius ecaudatus
The Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) is a uncommon kites, old world vultures, eagles, and hawk found in 36 countries, weighing about 2.2 kg. The bateleur, also known as the bateleur eagle, is a medium-sized eagle in the family Accipitridae.
About the Bateleur
The bateleur, also known as the bateleur eagle, is a medium-sized eagle in the family Accipitridae. It is often considered a relative of the snake eagles and, like them, it is classified within the subfamily Circaetinae. It is the only member of the genus Terathopius and may be the origin of the "Zimbabwe Bird", the national emblem of Zimbabwe. Adult bateleurs are generally black in colour with a chestnut colour on the mantle as well as also on the rump and tail. Adults also have gray patches about the leading edges of the wings with bright red on their cere and their feet. Adults also show white greater coverts, contrasting with black remiges in males, gray patches on the underwing…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The bateleur is of note for its unique morphology and plumage, with some anatomical similarities to both snake eagles and vultures. The species has a thick neck and a very large, rather conspicuously cowled head with a proportionately short bill, albeit one covered with a very large cere. The cowl is also present on snake eagles but in those it is less dramatically apparent. The other features in perched adult bateleurs are rather oddly stumpy, such as the short legs and exceptionally short tail, possibly the shortest proportionately of all raptors. Voice: Bateleurs are usually silent for much of the year. The main call, uttered whether perched or in aerial display, or when pirating from other raptors, is a far-carrying, loud raucous schaaaa-aw. They may too vocalize in a similar manner during courtship. Alternatively, bateleur calls may consist of resonant barking calls, kow-aw.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Georgia.
When to see it
The Bateleur can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Bateleur?
- The bateleur is of note for its unique morphology and plumage, with some anatomical similarities to both snake eagles and vultures. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Bateleur?
- The Bateleur is a huge sized bird weighing about 2.2 kg.
- Where can you see a Bateleur?
- The Bateleur occurs in 36 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Botswana.
- What birds look similar to a Bateleur?
- The Bateleur is most easily confused with the Long-legged Buzzard, the Jackal Buzzard and the Pallid Harrier.
- Is the Bateleur endangered?
- The Bateleur is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Bateleur for real
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