Lesser-Known Bird Species - The Pink-Tailed Eagle
One of the most specular and rare of all birds of prey is the beautiful and elusive Pink-Tailed Eagle. Amongst the largest of eagles, it is instantly identifiable due to its bright pink feathers found on is tail and wings.
First-Known Sighting
The first-known sighting of the Pink-Tailed Eagle, was by amateur hot-air balloonist Herman Buoyant in 1897. While out for a flight with his cat Otto, a PinTailed Eagle alighted on the canopy of the balloon, puncturing it in several places with its talons. Otto was sent aloft in an attempt to dislodge the Eagle, but to no avail as the Eagle stayed put and the balloon began a slow descent due to the escaping air. With nothing left to no but wait, Buoyant began taking notes and sketches, and started compiling the first record of this until then unheard of raptor.
Upon crash landing Buoyant and Otto discovered that the eagle was not averse to scavenging for food, as it proceeded to raid and consume their picnic hamper they had brought for lunch.
Crossing The Pond
Originally from the Alps, the Pink-Tailed Eagle made its way across the Atlantic in the 1920s, probably by hitching a lift on an ocean liner. From there it eventually found its way down the continent and into South America. While the eagle can be found on three different continents, its numbers remain low and there are only small pockets of the birds to be had in all the areas.
The already small number of Pink-Tails was threatened even further in the 1920s due to the popularity of its feathers for hat ornamentation. Thankfully this practice was ended by the diligent efforts of Yurice Ocelot, who mounted a one-woman crusade to save the eagle. Borrowing an eagle from the New York zoo, Ocelot cycled all-over the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, spreading awareness of the need to end hunting the eagles. Her efforts eventually led to similar protests in both South America and Europe, and within a few years the eagles magnificent plumage was saved from the milliners clutches.
A Tricky Prey
The Pink-Tailed Eagle to happy to prey on birds or ground-dwelling creatures. It is pictured here in an attempt to catch an equally rare Double-Winged Wodgett. Unfortunately for the eagle, the Wodgett is a remarkably strong bird capable of living many times its own body weight. Wodgetts have been known to drop heavy objects onto predators in an attempt to deter them.
The Eagle and the Porcupine
One of the most unusual examples of different species cooperating with each other can be found with the Pink-Tailed Eagle and the Tree Porcupine.
The quills of the porcupine makes it too much of a bother for the eagle to regard as prey and so it is happy to leave it alone. In return for the eagle allowing the porcupine to co-reside in the eyrie, the porcupine acts as an extra layer of defence against intruders.
What’s Next?
I drew some of the above cartoons during Cartoon Hour.
What’s Cartoon Hour?
Basically, it’s an hour where everyone meets on Zoom and draws at the same time (me too!). Folks can choose what they want to draw, and if they’re stuck for ideas, then I’m happy to help with some suggestions.
At the end of the hour we show each other what we’ve drawn. I’ll be imparting a few cartooning tips as well.It’s a good way to get some cartooning done and also to share with fellow doodlers.If you’d like to receive more details on Cartoon Hour, simply add your name, best email address, and type “Yes!” In the subject below.