3-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - BATELEUR EAGLE (JUVENILE)(Terathopius ecaudatus)

Juvenile bateleur eagles are primarily brown, have a longer tail and wing feathers for flight control, and a duller, greenish-blue cere and feet compared to adults. They gradually transition to the adult plumage over seven to eight years, developing a shorter tail and more defined body colors through molting. They are often mistaken for other birds, such as the brown snake eagle, due to their brown coloration. 

Physical characteristics

Plumage: Brown and dull, with some lighter edging on the feathers. The head is paler and tawnier.

Tail and wings: Possess longer tail and wing feathers than adults, which provide more stability and control during flight. The tail gets shorter with each molt as the bird matures.

Bare parts: The cere (the fleshy, waxy part on top of the beak) and feet are a pale grey-blue to greenish-blue color. 

Development and behavior

Maturation: It takes approximately 7 to 8 years for a juvenile to reach full adult plumage.

Flight: The longer feathers of juveniles give them better control as they learn to fly.

Adult supervision: Young are fed by both parents for about 100 days after fledging and remain dependent for up to four months.

Mobility: Juveniles become highly mobile and nomadic, and are sometimes driven away from the breeding territory by adult eagles.

Identification: Due to their dull brown color and longer tail, juveniles are often mistaken for a brown snake eagle.