Gabar Goshawk

The Gabar Goshawk, a bird of prey from the Accipitridae family, is a polymorphic species exhibiting two distinct color forms. The more common pale morph has a predominantly grey plumage with a striking white rump. Its chest, thighs, and underwings are adorned with white and grey barring, and it sports a dark grey, barred tail. The rarer dark morph, comprising about a quarter of the population, is cloaked almost entirely in black. Adult Gabar Goshawks have dark eyes, long legs, and a red cere, while juveniles display a yellow cere and legs, and their plumage is a browner shade with less defined barring. Females are notably larger than males, with males weighing between 90-173 grams and females between 167-240 grams. The species measures 28-36 cm in body length with a wingspan of approximately 63 cm.

Identification Tips

To identify the Gabar Goshawk, look for the white rump and barred underparts in the pale morph, or the striking black plumage in the dark morph. The long legs and red cere in adults are also distinctive features. Juveniles can be recognized by their yellow cere and legs, and their generally browner, less neatly barred plumage.

Habitat

The Gabar Goshawk is found in open woodlands, particularly favoring dry Acacia savanna and broad-leaved woodlands with species such as Brachystegia, Terminalia, and Colosphermum mopane. In arid regions like the Karoo and Namib Desert, it is typically associated with tree-lined watercourses and has been known to adapt to urban environments.

Distribution

This goshawk is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and extends into the Arabian Peninsula. It is represented by three subspecies: M. g. aequatorius in the highlands from Ethiopia to northern Mozambique, M. g. gabar from southern Angola to South Africa, and M. g. niger from Senegambia to Sudan and southwestern Arabia.

Behaviour

The Gabar Goshawk is generally sedentary, though juveniles may wander nomadically. Some populations exhibit minor migratory movements. Solitary by nature, pairs become more evident during the breeding season, engaging in aerial displays and vocalizations. The species is known for its agile flight, often seen pursuing prey through the trees or hunting from a perch.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from July to December, peaking between September and November. The Gabar Goshawk constructs a small platform nest out of thin twigs, often incorporating spider webs and live spiders, which may camouflage the nest and reduce parasites. Clutches typically consist of two eggs, but can number up to four. The female incubates the eggs for about 33-38 days, and after hatching, broods the chicks for the first 19-21 days. Fledging occurs around 35-36 days old, with full independence reached about a month later.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Gabar Goshawk primarily includes small birds, supplemented by small mammals, reptiles, and insects. It employs an energetic pursuit to flush out tree-dwelling prey or may swoop down from a perch to capture prey on the ground or in flight. It is also known to attack the nests of colonial birds to extract chicks.

Conservation status

The Gabar Goshawk is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.