Out of the Blue by danob

Photography • Creatures • posted on Apr 25, 2008

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Description

This is a young Bateleur Eagle who spend most of their day Gliding in the thermals from early morning until they come into roost.. Bateleur is a French word - meaning tumbler or acrobat.Some of my French friends however did say previously, that tightrope walker may be more accurate. This is probably derived from the bird's ability to execute 360 degree rolls during its nuptial display. Its scientific name Terathopius Ecaudatus comes from the Greek and means (roughly) 'marvellous face without a tail'. In flight, the Bateleur manoeuvres itself with a notable canting movement, banking from side to side like an aircraft, and perhaps reminiscent of a tightrope walker using his pole for balance. This leads to the commonly held belief that this is necessitated by its lack of a tail to assist steering, and linking the name Bateleur with tightrope walker, rather than tumbler. Thanks for taking time to look and for all your comments and on this, and the series so far.. More to follow..