The top photo shows the raised hackles which form a cowl. This individual was guarding a kill which we were unable to positively identify at the time. We speculated it might be a baboon, but I believe our group finally decided it was probably a hyena. I'd be interested in any opinions on the identity of the carcass. The name is French for street performer or tightrope walker, a reference to its tilting flight. This is a juvenile and probably a female showing extensively gray secondaries. It is the only member of the genus Terathopius but is apparently related to the snake-eagles.
This species has suffered severe declines in recent years and in 2009 was listed as "near threatened" by IUCN. The major cause of the decline has been attributed to poisoning by a few large-scale commercial farmers.
Nikon P510 Coolpix Point-and-shoot