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WoodlandPlatform nestHuge · 2.2 kg
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Bateleur
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Bateleur
The map shades 35 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Georgia.
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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Variable HawkGeranoaetus polyosomaThe name variable hawk is fully deserved, as both sexes occur in several morphs.
Long-legged BuzzardButeo rufinusPaler individuals of the long-legged buzzard are typically reasonably distinctive but their highly variable plumage leads to mistaken identity.
Jackal BuzzardButeo rufofuscusThe jackal buzzard is one of the two larger Buteo species native to Africa, alongside its close cousin, the augur buzzard.
Side by side: Bateleur vs Variable Hawk · Bateleur vs Jackal Buzzard · Bateleur vs Long-legged Buzzard
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