Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Dark Chanting Goshawk (Melierax metabates)
Dark Chanting Goshawk

Dark Chanting Goshawk

Melierax metabates

The Gabar Goshawk, a bird of prey from the Accipitridae family, presents a fascinating case of polymorphism. This species exhibits two distinct color morphs: the more common pale form, with its predominantly grey upperparts, white rump, and barred chest, thighs, and underwings, and the rarer, almost entirely black form. Both adult morphs share dark eyes, long legs, and a red cere, while juveniles display a yellow cere and legs, and a generally browner plumage with less defined barring. Females are notably larger than males, with body lengths ranging from 28 to 36 cm and a wingspan of approximately 63 cm.

Identification Tips

To identify the Gabar Goshawk, look for the striking white rump and the barred tail in the pale morph. The dark morph can be recognized by its near-black appearance. Juveniles can be distinguished by their yellow cere and legs, as well as their untidier barring compared to adults.

Habitat

The Gabar Goshawk is found in open woodlands, particularly favoring dry Acacia savanna and broad-leaved woodlands. It can also be seen in tree-lined watercourses in arid regions and occasionally in urban areas.

Distribution

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and extends into the Arabian Peninsula. It is divided into 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

Typically sedentary, the Gabar Goshawk may exhibit nomadic tendencies in immature birds and some migratory movements. It is often seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season, engaging in aerial pursuits or calling from perches.

Breeding

Nesting occurs in thorny trees, where the goshawk uses spider webs, including live spiders, to construct its nest, possibly aiding in camouflage and parasite control. Breeding season peaks from September to November, with clutches of two eggs being common. The female primarily incubates the eggs for about 33–38 days, and chicks fledge around 35–36 days old.

Diet and Feeding

The Gabar Goshawk primarily preys on small birds, but will also hunt small mammals, reptiles, and insects. It employs an energetic pursuit to flush out prey from trees or may hunt from a perch, swooping down to capture its target.

Conservation status

The Gabar Goshawk is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.

Dark Chanting Goshawk Sounds



Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Dark Chanting Goshawks on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Kites, Hawks, Eagles

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❤️
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
Paul F
Very good database
Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
778
Great bird recording
For a while I’ve been trying to find an app to easily record bird lists and day out and struggled to find one that I like. Birda is great for this, straightforward and a great community!
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
Marlster24
Very Wholesome App
Joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😄
Jane N
A great app
Enjoying it immensely and finding it useful too. Recording the different birds and counting them is showing me how the present climate is affecting them all. I've trebled the numbers by planting native hedging. A great app.
Talli A
My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.