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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.
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.
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.
