African Harrier Hawk
It is a medium-sized raptor. The upperparts, head and breast are pale grey. The belly is white with fine dark barring. The broad wings are pale grey with a black trailing edge fringed with a narrow white line. The tail is black with a single broad white band. There is a bare facial patch of variable colour, usually red or yellow. Genders are similar, but young birds have pale brown instead of grey, and dark brown replacing black. An unusual trait of this species is the double-jointed knees it possesses, which enable it to reach into otherwise inaccessible holes and cracks for prey.
Habitat
Th African harrier-hawk can be found in natural woodland, tree plantations and urban areas. Found on occasion in the CBD of Stellenbosch town in the Western Cape of South Africa. Also observed about 120 km from Stellenbosch in the suburbs of Onrusriver which is situated on the coast. They are widespread in Africa, through west, east and mainly south as you can see by the map to the right.
Diet
They are known for their remarkable and different way of hunting. Although it can hunt like normal raptors, either in low flight or from a perch, it often actively hunt prey by climbing around in trees. It is not uncommon to see African harrier-hawks hanging from branches or tree trunks, sometimes upside-down, as they search for prey. They will also jump from branch to branch or run along larger branches, with wings flapping to keep the balance, as they seek out prey. This peculiar climbing behavior is made possible due to its double-jointed knees that make its legs incredibly flexible. Diet is varied, but it is specialized on tree-dwelling animals, such as birds, reptiles and mammals, which are often captured in tree cavities and crevices. Bird’s nests are also frequently raided. Insects, carrion, and oil palm fruits are also eaten on occasion.
Breeding
Breeding season varies within its geographical range. It is a monogamous species (although there was one instance where three adults were seen on one nest) and it is highly territorial. Nests are built by both parents in a period of around 30 days. It is a fairly large nest, made up of twigs and sticks, and is either situated high up in a tree, on a cliff, or in a cave. Nests from other species, such as the martial eagle and black goshawk, may sometimes be used.
One to three eggs are laid and incubated by the female for 35-36 days, while the male hunts and provides food. After hatching, the female will stay with the chicks at the nest for one week while the male keeps bringing food. After this she will stay close to the nest for protection. It is common for the oldest chicks to kill the youngest in a nest, and often only one or two survive, depending on the clutch size. After 45-55 days the chicks leave the nest. They will be fully independent after another 10 days.
Population
According to the IUCN Red List it is classed as least concern(LC) and the population is stable. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats. It is a widespread species of bird of prey, and is common in many areas within its range.
Threats
According to the IUCN Red List, there are currently no threats to this species