| Description |
adult male's head and neck black; back, upper-tail coverts and tail chestnut; median and lesser-wing coverts brown with whitish tips; greater coverts black; primaries black above, pure white below with a black tip; body below black, under-tail coverts chestnut; under-wing coverts white; bare skin of face, cere, and legs - bright red; eyes brown; very short tails and long wings; develop adult plumage at 5-6 years |
| Sex |
female similar to male, but whole of upper-wing coverts brown with grey secondaries, with white on inner web; black tips on white underside of wing quills narrower than those of the male |
| Age |
20-25 years |
| Length |
24" |
| Wingspan |
5.5-6' |
| Weight |
4-6.5 lbs. |
| Habitat |
open woodlands and tree savannas |
| Status |
threatened |
| Range |
throughout Africa south of the Sahara, occasionally wandering to South Arabia |
| Behavior |
monogamous; build large stick nests in trees or on top of nests built by other birds; female lays 1 egg; incubation is 52-59 days; young fledges in 3-4 months, but may spend up to 4 more months with parents; best known for their spectacular aerial displays |
| Diet |
mainly carrion; also reptiles, mammals and small birds |
| Vocalization |
generally silent, but capable of making loud screams |
| Other Information |
- The Bateleur's feet and facial color can vary from a pale color to brilliant red, depending on the mood of the bird
- Native name for this bird is Chapungu. They believe it is good luck if the bird flies over their house or village |
