ExploreBirds

Bateleur

Terathopius ecaudatus

The Bateleur is a colorful bird with a short tail and long wings. It loves to soar high in the sky and can be seen gliding over savannas and grasslands. Its bright colors make it easy to spot!

Habitat: Savannas

Appearance

The Bateleur is a striking medium-sized eagle, easily recognized by its extremely short tail, vivid red face and legs, and predominantly black body. Its underwings are often white, creating a distinctive pattern against its dark plumage during flight.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyAccipitridaeGenusTerathopius
Bateleur
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Bateleur

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A Bateleur's bright red face can actually turn dull if it feels scared or stressed.

The Bateleur's name means "juggler" in French, describing its unique rocking flight!

These eagles often fly up to 1,600 feet high while scanning for their next meal!

They have such a short tail, it looks like it was accidentally chopped off!

Special abilities

Ability

Endless Soar

Bateleur can glide for hours without flapping its wings because of their efficient aerodynamic design, helping them save energy while hunting.

Ability

Far Sight

Bateleur has incredibly keen eyesight that helps them spot tiny prey or carrion from high above the vast African savannas.

Ability

Aerial Acrobat

Bateleur can perform impressive aerial maneuvers, even with its short tail, because of its long wings, helping it snatch prey in flight.

Measurements & details

Length
55-70 cm
Wingspan
160-186 cm
Weight
1.8-2.9 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Top Speed
80 km/h
Clutch Size
1
Incubation
52-59 days

Diet & Feeding

These eagles mostly eat other animals, from small reptiles to birds and even carrion.

Primary Foods

  • Small mammals
  • Lizards
  • Snakes
  • Birds
  • Carrion
  • Insects

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Rock Hyrax

Procavia capensis

Bateleurs often hunt rock hyraxes in rocky outcrops.

hunts

Red-headed Rock Agama

Agama agama

Bateleurs regularly prey on various lizards, including rock agamas.

eats

Plains Zebra

Equus quagga

Bateleurs often scavenge on carcasses left by larger predators.

depends on

Umbrella Thorn Acacia

Acacia tortilis

Bateleurs build their large nests high in acacia trees for safety.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Bateleur?

55-70 cm

What is Bateleur's wingspan?

160-186 cm

How much does Bateleur weigh?

1.8-2.9 kg

How long does Bateleur live?

15-20 years

How fast can Bateleur move?

80 km/h

What does Bateleur eat?

These eagles mostly eat other animals, from small reptiles to birds and even carrion.

Where is Bateleur usually found?

Savannas

How does Bateleur hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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