Common Name:
Bateleur Eagle
Scientific Name:
Terathopius ecaudatus
Wild Status:
Endangered
Habitat:
Open savanna and woodland
Country:
Many African Countries
Shelter:
Trees
Life Span:
27 years
Size:
6ft wingspan, 5lbs
Cool Facts:
- Bateleur eagles have huge territories made up of 250 square miles. They roam their territories every day in search of live food and carrion. They hunt birds, eggs, small reptiles, small mammals, and insects.
- They will sunbathe after a bath. They open up their wings towards the sun and stand upright.
- These eagles lay one egg at a time with their monogamous partner.
- Their closest relative is the brown snake eagle, a larger African native that feeds on harmless and venomous snakes.
- The skin on their face and feet changes depending on their mood. When excited, the pale red is flushed and changes into a bright red.
Details:
Bateleur eagles have an average wingspan of 6 ft 1 in, and weigh between 4-6 lbs. Young birds are mostly brown, with some white dappling. Their legs and facial skin are grayish brown. They are colorful eagles as adults. The bateleur has black plumage, a bushy head, gray shoulders, golden brown tail and mantle, and orange brown tail coverts. Their facial skin, bills, and legs are red to orange red. Unlike males, females have orange/yellow brown secondary wing feathers.
Taxonomic Breakdown:
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae Genus: Terathopius Species: T. ecaudatus
Conservation & Helping:
The bateleur eagle is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List. It is estimated that there are 10,000-100,000 individuals left in the wild. Most of their numbers are concentrated in protected areas. Very few are found outside of these areas. They are vulnerable to habitat loss and often fall victims to accidental poisonings. Farmers poison carcasses of their livestock and other animals to keep predators away. As scavengers, bateleurs will accidentally feed on the poisoned carcasses.For Teachers and Educators
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