Bateleur eagles (Terathopius ecaudatus) are known for their distinctive and striking appearance, with adults being generally black in color, including their head, neck, and upperparts. The underparts of adult bateleur eagles are white, contrasting with the black plumage. However, immature bateleur eagles have a different appearance, with a uniform dark brown plumage in their first year that gradually turns into adult colors over time.

Appearance of Adult Bateleur Eagles

Adult bateleur eagles are characterized by their black plumage, which covers their head, neck, and upperparts. The chestnut-colored mantles, rumps, and tails provide a striking contrast to the black feathers. The underparts of the adult bateleur eagle are white, creating a unique and recognizable appearance.

The legs and feet of adult bateleur eagles are pale orange, while the cere (the fleshy area around the base of the bill) is orange. This combination of black, white, and orange features makes the adult bateleur eagle a visually stunning bird of prey.

Appearance of Immature Bateleur Eagles

Image source: Bateleur Eagle By Bernard DUPONT

In contrast to the adult bateleur eagles, immature bateleur eagles have a different appearance. During their first year, they have a uniform dark brown plumage, which starts to turn into adult colors of black, white, and grey around the third year. It can take up to 8 years for an immature bateleur eagle to shed all its brown plumage and turn into a full adult.

The cere and facial skin of juvenile bateleur eagles are a distinct pale grey-blue to green-blue, while the feet are greenish-white to greyish-white. By the fourth year, the cere, facial skin, and feet turn yellow, then to dull-pink, and finally to red by the sixth or seventh year. The eyes of juvenile bateleur eagles are similar in hue to those of adult bateleurs but are a slightly lighter, being more honey-brown.

Unique Flight Style

Bateleur eagles are known for their unique flight style, which involves rocking their wings from side to side when soaring. This flight style, combined with their distinctive plumage, makes them relatively easy to identify in flight, even from a distance. Bateleur eagles have long wings and a short tail, which allows their feet to extend beyond the tail in flight.

Habitat and Distribution

Bateleur eagles are widely distributed in Africa, with a range that extends south of the Sahara Desert and includes countries such as South Africa, Cameroon, and southwest Arabia. They prefer open habitats such as woodland savannas and grasslands, where they can be seen perched in tall trees or snags. Bateleur eagles are not found in areas of dense forest.

Threats and Conservation Status

Unfortunately, bateleur eagles are facing several threats, including habitat loss, poisoning, and accidental drowning in farm reservoirs. These threats have led to a decline in the population of bateleur eagles in some areas, and they are currently listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

In conclusion, while adult bateleur eagles are generally black in color, immature bateleur eagles have a different appearance, with a uniform dark brown plumage in their first year that gradually turns into adult colors over time. Bateleur eagles are known for their unique flight style and are widely distributed in Africa, but they are facing several threats that have led to a decline in their population.

References:
– Facts About The Bateleur Eagle – African Wildlife Safari. Retrieved from https://wildlifesafari.info/bateleur_eagle.htm
– Bateleur – Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bateleur
– Bateleur Eagle – The Peregrine Fund. Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/bateleur-eagle
– Bateleur Eagle – Terathopius ecaudatus – Kruger National Park. Retrieved from https://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_bateleur_eagle.html