Bateleur vs Variable Hawk

Bateleur

Terathopius ecaudatus

Huge2.2 kgWoodland

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: frielp · CC BY 2.0

Variable Hawk

Geranoaetus polyosoma

Large783 gShrubland

The name variable hawk is fully deserved, as both sexes occur in several morphs. Adults of all have a white tail with a contrasting black subterminal band and grey wings barred dark (in flight from below, the remiges appear whitish with fine barring and a broad black tip). The remaining plumage varies from very dark grey to whitish, and some individuals have reddish-brown to the underparts. Females usually have a reddish-brown back, which males usually lack, although at least some males also have this.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recorded by Niels Krabbe · Alarm call · Salta: Finca El Candado, Argentina · CC BY-SA 3.0

Photo: Ezequiel Racker · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Bateleur and Variable Hawk.