The Bateleur is a striking bird of prey, easily recognized by its short tail, bright red facial skin and legs, and contrasting black-and-white plumage with chestnut-colored wings. The name "Bateleur" is derived from the French word for "acrobat" due to its characteristic undulating flight style.
The Bateleur is found in sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal and Mali in the west to Ethiopia, and further south to Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. It primarily inhabits savannas, semi-deserts, and open woodland areas. The Bateleur is often seen gliding on warm air currents, sometimes for hours, in search of food.
The Bateleur is a carnivore and scavenger, with a diet that includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and carrion. It has sharp eyesight and can spot prey or carcasses from miles away. This eagle is opportunistic, often feeding on dead animals it finds on the savanna.
Bateleurs are diurnal and are known for their territorial behavior. They often live in monogamous pairs that defend their territory from other raptors. The nest is usually built high in trees, where the female lays a single egg that both parents incubate. The chicks remain dependent on their parents for several months after fledging. The Bateleur plays an important role in the ecosystem by helping to clean up carrion as a scavenger.
Ronald Pol (1977) is a nature photographer from Deventer, the Netherlands. It was during a trip to Africa that his passion for nature photography started. The main focus is on the photography of animals (portraits and behaviour), but a variety of other subjects are photographed as well... Read more…