Bateleur Eagle by danob
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
Description
Today the Bateleur is absent from about 80% of its former range and is classified as 'vulnerable' in the Red Data Book - Birds. In the lowveld wildlife reserves, where the Bateleur probably occurs at maximum density in an ideal habitat, it appears more numerous.
Outside of protected areas, the Bateleur is extremely vulnerable to poisoned bait. The birds have been eradicated from virtually all South African farmland due to indiscriminate attempts to control jackal.
This bird is unusual in that it spends most of the day on the wing, soaring without effort at air speeds of up to between 35 and 50 mph (56 to 80 kph). It takes off as soon as the day becomes warm, and flies almost continuously until the cooler hours of the evening, typically covering over 200 air miles (320 kilometres) almost every day of its adult life.
From time to time it does perch in trees - usually close to carrion, which it is not above trying to pirate from small to medium sized vultures (albeit not often with any success)!
Bateleur is a French word - meaning tumbler or acrobat. 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". The male has a striking red face this is the female.
In flight, the Bateleur manoeuvres itself with a notable canting movement, swaying or banking from side to side in the manner of an aircraft, and 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. Most birds have a tail long enough to use as a rudder/elevator in flight, which can assist steering.
Again thanks for taking time to look and any comments Group Hugz
Comments (41)
qmont
Danny your brillent work never ceases to amaze and thrill me, Bravo my friend and a big Vote on this buetiful work.............John
Legadia
Incredible capture of such a cute bird of prey V & F :)
ONIAK
A beautiful photo.
vlaaitje
wow Danny this is really powerful...what a strong look...just perfect...wonderful details...love it
ratto
Wonderful capture!
Sylvaine
Such a quiet guy...thanks for the comments.
Synapse
I can imagine these all being gathered together to be shown as a collection... thanks for sharing your passion :-)
Corwin13
It has a little the sad air, this guy! Some concerns maybe? Great capture!!!
soulofharmony
Awwwwwwwww so cute sublime p'graphy.. beautifully shot soft and sensitive..:0
jimry
Looks like he's busy pondering about his next meal mate...splendid photography mate :)
tallpindo
She's all puffed up to present her bigness. Really nice presentation of her feathers, color and form.
Kropot
Yeah, these birds are beauty's. Perfekt shots you make of em.
tony_br22
super done
borsy
Excellent image!!!
moonfish
Wow, wonderful shot and I appreciate all of th einformation...
cynlee
she's a beaut... wonderful series & variety of these great & noble birds! :]
RodolfoCiminelli
Wonderful portrait and splendid shot Daniel!!! Vote
Tedz
So....it's group hugz now....You crafty Flocker...Birds of a Feather ....and all that....squawk
Apophis906
Wow,what a shot here, just so wonderful and close. Excellent capture and job for sure.
AgentMai
I think this lady is feeling cold, judging by how she's fluffed out her feathers. It's nice to see a bird at rest! Thanks also for all the info on her species. As always, a beautiful portrait =)
SophiaDeer
A beautiful photograph!! You captured this bird's personality so well. Bravo!!
SoulEatar
Must have been a long distance shot - To see noise from you is rare :) - This guy looks like he had one to many rabbits for dinner - Amazing creature !
susanmoses
Excellent & informative series Danny... bet she has some stories... :]
gallimel
this s specially expressive.. today in particular. Hugs :)
addiek
An excellent image... He looks a bit wistful, perhaps considering the number of his kind. A very informative post.
PapaGuru
Yep great series; this one is no exception! Info is also much appreciated!
madame
What a superb and unusual bird... I appreciate your info which are very interesting and so I learn a lot about eagles... I love the all serie ! It's a fantastic shot, Dann !!! v
jcv2
This moment not in flight but captured just at rest!
sossy
beautiful feathered eagle! excellent detailed and colors! very well done here!
pjaj
Excellent photography here Danny! Beautiful capture:o)