0207d52a98ecd1236f5e995aedc7e6d3

TitleBateleur
Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/
Rating4
VettedTrusted
Description
An adult male Bateleur in flight (females have a predominantly white underwing with a thin black trailing edge). Males vary in mantle colour from pale creamy-white to chestnut (as in this bird).  The Bateleur is a long-winged short-tailed "Snake Eagle" with a very characteristic silhouette. Its wing structure and short tail allow it to soar rapidly with wings held in a deep "V" whilst the bird banks and rocks tilting from side to side in a very unique flight (hence the name -Bateleur is French for an acrobat/tightrope-walker). In this manner these birds can cover and survey large areas. As a result they are often the first "scavengers" at a new carcase. They are particularly good at finding small dead animals as well as catching snakes and lizards.  Image taken in the Masai Mara, Kenya.  Framed by a friend.
Original URLhttp://farm7.staticflickr.com/6025/5919556131_cb1e0f8a02_o.jpg
photographerSteve Garvie
providerFlickr: EOL Images
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith