Bateleur Eagle - Terathopius ecaudatus

Range: Africa, South fo the Sahara.

Conservation Status: Fairly common although all african raptors are declining in numbers.

Habitat: Savannah

Diet: Rodents, lizards and snakes.

Other Information: Bateleur Eagles are very different to other eagles. They have extra secondary feathers on their wing and almost completely lack a tail. The name Bateleur is translated as "acrobat" or "tight-rope walker" and refers to the birds "canting" or rocking-like flight which enables it to turn without a tail. These are also one of the most colourful birds of prey in adult plumage. Both sexes have bright red skin on the legs and face, chestnut backs, a red tail and females have a white stripe running across the wings; the rest of the feathers are very black. Juveniles are mottled brown in colour.