Image via Macaulay Library
Bateleur
- Scientific name
- Terathopius ecaudatus
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Woodland
- Wing shape
- Broad
- Tail shape
- Short
Where it came from
The Bateleur, Terathopius ecaudatus, is a bird of prey native to sub-Saharan Africa and small parts of southwestern Arabia. Its common name, French for 'tumbler' or 'tightrope walker,' refers to the bird's characteristic habit of rocking from side to side in flight as it balances on the wind. This species is part of the Accipitridae family, evolutionarily distinct as one of the few snake eagles, and has adapted over millennia to thrive in open savanna landscapes where it maintains a massive home range.
The Bateleur is defined by its striking morphological profile, featuring exceptionally broad wings and a notably short tail, which makes the bird appear almost tailless while airborne. This distinctive silhouette, paired with a vibrant plumage of chestnut, black, and grey, was described by naturalists in the 19th century as a marvel of aerial maneuverability. It has since become a subject of significant ecological study, prized for its role as an apex scavenger and its unique, low-altitude hunting style that distinguishes it from other raptors in the region.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Bateleur
Bateleur is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Bateleur on collecto.rs?
Bateleur doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Bateleur?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Bateleur catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Bateleur is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
