Terathopius ecaudatus

This distinctive eagle, with its contrasting black, white and chestnut plumage,  is easy to identify. It is more often than not seen gliding across savannah and open woodland but is also frequently seen drinking at waterholes.

We first recorded this “acrobatic” bird of prey in May 2010 while staying at Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal. Our best sightings have been at the Kgalgadi Transfrontier  and Kruger National Parks.