The Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) is a medium-sized bird in the Accipitridae family of accipiters – birds of prey and raptors.  It is an eagle. 

The Bateleur is black with chestnut brown markings on its mantle (the upper back), rump (the lower back), and tail. It also has grey patches on the edges of its wings. It has a distinctive bright red cere and feet. Its head is large, but it has a small beak. Its feet are large with strong, black claws called talons, but it has short legs. Its tail is also short. 

It grows to 55-70 centimetres (22-28 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 168-190 centimetres (5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 3 inches).

It is found in countries in Sub-Saharan Africa in open habitats. It is an aerial bird, which means that it soars high in the sky. It is a solitary bird and does not fly in flocks. However, congregations of 40-50 juvenile eagles have been seen together. 

It feeds on carrion (the meat of dead animals) and it will also hunt for small birds.

It is usually silent, although it makes vocal sounds during courtship. 

The Bateleur builds a stick nest in a large tree. The male and female are usually monogamous, staying together for life. 

The female lays one egg and sits on the nest alone – the male feeds her while she is incubating the egg. The egg hatches after 52-55 days. The juvenile, called an eaglet, looks different from its parents. It is brown with paler feathers. 

Location of photographs: Berlin Zoo, Germany

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM