A DISTINCTIVE eagle that has thrilled crowds at a bird of prey centre for more than a decade has sparked a hunt after flying off from its home.

The management of Thirsk Bird of Prey Centre, at Edwardian stately home Sion Hill Hall, said Tamzin, a female Bateleur Eagle had acted "completely out of character" by taking to the skies at about 3pm on Wednesday.

Colin Badgery, who has run the centre for ten years, said the 13-year-old eagle, who performs seven days a week, had found a hot thermal and rapidly rose to a height above which she would normally fly.

He said: "It was like an elevator. She got to a height of around 600ft and flew off in a northerly direction possibly towards Gatenby and Leeming, near Bedale.

"Our guests enjoy three different birds of prey flying displays each day which involve five different birds being flown in each display.

"Sometimes the birds will decide to explore the local countryside for a while before returning to their home at the centre, but Taz is not one of those she is a real home bird, so we are deeply concerned for her welfare."

Mr Badgery said in the wild Tazmin would be a carrion feeder, and although she was a good weight, may be finding dead creatures to eat in fields after combine harvesters have cut crops. He said it was important to find the eagle soon, or else she may learn to feed herself.

It is not believed the bird of prey will have flown many miles from the centre.

He said the centre had received information about possible sightings, but because the surrounding area of fields was vast, with the rivers Swale and Wiske running through it, the search was challenging.

Mr Badgery said: "She is not built for camouflage over here and it will be difficult for people walking their dogs in the area to miss her, she has lovely silver flashes on her wings a distinctive orange face."

Bateleur eagles are named after the French for tightrope-walker, due to its aerial acrobatics, and have pitch black feathers with white under the wings, a bright red face and legs, black beak, short tail and a wingspan of about 6ft.

The medium-sized eagle, which is native to open savanna country and woodland within sub-Saharan Africa, has been placed in the near-threatened International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List category, due to pesticides, habitat loss, capture for international trade and nest disturbance.

The centre's expert bird handlers said Tazmin posed no danger to the public or pets, but for the bird's safety have asked members of the public not to approach her or try to capture her.

Sightings should be reported to the centre on 01845-587522.