Chobe NP, Botswana - July - Brown Snake Eagle? (1 Viewer)

The numbers/variety of raptors in Africa confounds. I have dozens of bad photos of raptors that I'm digging through (don't worry, I won't post all of them...). This one seems to be one that may be identifiable despite the significant cropping/blurriness.

Based on what I've seen in books and online, the overall brown color and apparent grayish legs seems to suggest Brown Snake Eagle but the short tail and light patch on the throat in one photo makes me wonder whether I'm missing something. Could it be a juvenile Bateleur? Something else?

Would appreciate any input/feedback.

Thanks,

Mason
Seattle

Brown Snake Eagle is correct, the white patch just feather bases

tconzemi said:

the white patch just feather bases

Click to expand...

Agreed. IMO the pale patch is on the neck/nape, not on the throat, seemingly from a bit of wind lifting the feathers up; that bird is looking away from you.