Bateleur Eagle by danob
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
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)
Danny your brillent work never ceases to amaze and thrill me, Bravo my friend and a big Vote on this buetiful work.............John
Incredible capture of such a cute bird of prey V & F :)
A beautiful photo.
wow Danny this is really powerful...what a strong look...just perfect...wonderful details...love it
Wonderful capture!
Such a quiet guy...thanks for the comments.
I can imagine these all being gathered together to be shown as a collection... thanks for sharing your passion :-)
It has a little the sad air, this guy! Some concerns maybe? Great capture!!!
Awwwwwwwww so cute sublime p'graphy.. beautifully shot soft and sensitive..:0
Looks like he's busy pondering about his next meal mate...splendid photography mate :)
She's all puffed up to present her bigness. Really nice presentation of her feathers, color and form.
Yeah, these birds are beauty's. Perfekt shots you make of em.
super done
Excellent image!!!
Wow, wonderful shot and I appreciate all of th einformation...
she's a beaut... wonderful series & variety of these great & noble birds! :]
Wonderful portrait and splendid shot Daniel!!! Vote
So....it's group hugz now....You crafty Flocker...Birds of a Feather ....and all that....squawk
Wow,what a shot here, just so wonderful and close. Excellent capture and job for sure.
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 =)
A beautiful photograph!! You captured this bird's personality so well. Bravo!!
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 !
Excellent & informative series Danny... bet she has some stories... :]
this s specially expressive.. today in particular. Hugs :)
An excellent image... He looks a bit wistful, perhaps considering the number of his kind. A very informative post.
Yep great series; this one is no exception! Info is also much appreciated!
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
This moment not in flight but captured just at rest!
beautiful feathered eagle! excellent detailed and colors! very well done here!
Excellent photography here Danny! Beautiful capture:o)