Animal of the Day #7

Today’s animal is... the African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus)!!

The African harrier-hawk is a large raptor native to much of Africa. They are commonly found in tropical regions of western Africa. They’re also seen in urban areas.

                        Distribution map of the African harrier-hawk

African harrier-hawks are 23.5–26 inches long and have a 5”3" wingspan. Female African harrier-hawks tend to be larger than males. They have gray plumage, black wingtips, and a vibrant yellow face and legs. Juveniles have brown and cream plumage. 

African harrier-hawks have many different methods of hunting and foraging. They feed on small vertebrates by soaring high above open areas, raid the nests of cavity-nesting birds by climbing trees, and forage for fruits (typically from the oil palm). They have also been observed hunting introduced species like feral pigeons, house sparrows, and eastern grey squirrels. 

Some facts about the African harrier-hawk:

• The African harrier-hawk is listed as of least concern and stable on the IUCN red list.

• African harrier-hawks court by slowly soaring around and calling out to each other.

• African harrier-hawks have double-jointed legs and are exceptional climbers.

• African harrier-hawks are known to blush when surprised or when courting.

comment below if you have any animals you'd like to see in the future! :]