Bateleur Eagle - Zimbabwe


 
Terathopius ecaudatus - The bateleur is a medium-sized eagle. An average adult grows to lengths of 65 centimeters and has a wingspan of 186 centimeters. One of the most notable features is the short tail. The legs of the bateleur eagle extend beyond the tail when the bird is in flight. Breeding pairs stay together for life and are known to use the same nesting site for several seasons. Unattached juveniles or adults will assist breeding couples in taking care of new nests and hatchlings.

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The Shona people are the largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe. They founded the Kingdom of Zimbabwe centered between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers; the kingdom existed from 1220 to 1450. The Mutapa Kingdom was an extension of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe and soon eclipsed the Zimbabwe Kingdom. It reigned from 1430 to 1760 and included most of present day Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The constant internal strife weakened the kingdom and it eventually became a client state of Portugal.