Bateleur Eagle

African eagle · air acrobat · snake hunter

Striking adult look. Bateleur eagles are mostly black with chestnut coloring on their back and rump, plus bright red feet and face that make them unmistakable in the sky. They have large gray patches on their wings that flash when they fly.

Tiny tail, big moves. Bateleurs have unusually short tails compared to other eagles, which helps them balance and turn quickly in the air. Their long, curved wings let them soar and rock side to side like a tightrope walker, which is what their French name means.

Built for hunting snakes. These eagles have huge heads, large powerful feet, and small bills, all perfectly designed for snatching snakes and other prey from the ground. They are related to snake eagles and hunt in similar ways.

Different as a kid. Young bateleurs look completely different from adults, with drab brown feathers and paler markings instead of the striking black and chestnut colors. As they grow up, their plumage transforms into the brilliant adult pattern.

A national symbol. The bateleur eagle may have inspired the Zimbabwe Bird, the famous national emblem of Zimbabwe, showing how important and recognizable this eagle is in African culture.