22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN HARRIER HAWK (Polyboroides typus)

The African harrier-hawk, harrier hawk or gymnogene (Polyboroides typus) is a bird of prey. It is about 60–66 centimetres (24–26 in) in length. It breeds in most of Africa south of the Sahara. The only other member of the genus is the allopatric Madagascar harrier-hawk (Polyboroides radiatus).

The African harrier-hawk 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. Sexes 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 ankles it possesses, which enable it to reach into otherwise inaccessible holes and cracks for prey. A comparable leg-structure and behaviour can be found in the Neotropical crane hawk as well as the extinct Australian Pengana; a case of convergent evolution.

African harrier-hawks are a common raptorial species south of the Sahara being most commonly found in the tropical regions of western Africa becoming less common in East and South Africa. African harrier-hawks are adaptable in their habitat preferences, occupying the following habitats in the Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve in the Central African Republic: thick rainforest, forest edge, riparian areas, agricultural land and human occupied areas. African harrier-hawks are adaptable and able to live in both urban and rural human occupied areas and they are one of the most common raptorial species in traditional rural villages of eastern Guinea-Bissau African harrier-hawks have also been known to breed in Palm trees present in cities and urban gardens.

23-12-2022 BRUFUT FOREST, GAMBIA - AFRICAN HARRIER HAWK (Polyboroides typus)

The African harrier-hawk, harrier hawk or gymnogene (Polyboroides typus) is a bird of prey. It is about 60–66 centimetres (24–26 in) in length. It breeds in most of Africa south of the Sahara. The only other member of the genus is the allopatric Madagascar harrier-hawk (Polyboroides radiatus).

African harrier-hawks are a common raptorial species south of the Sahara being most commonly found in the tropical regions of western Africa becoming less common in East and South Africa. African harrier-hawks are adaptable in their habitat preferences, occupying the following habitats in the Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve in the Central African Republic: thick rainforest, forest edge, riparian areas, agricultural land and human occupied areas. African harrier-hawks are adaptable and able to live in both urban and rural human occupied areas and they are one of the most common raptorial species in traditional rural villages of eastern Guinea-Bissau. African harrier-hawks have also been known to breed in Palm trees present in cities and urban gardens.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - AFRICAN HARRIER HAWK (Polyboroides typus)

The African harrier-hawk, or gymnogene, is a medium-sized bird of prey, measuring about 60 to 66 centimeters in length. It is distinguished by its pale grey upperparts, head, and breast, while its belly is white with fine dark barring. The broad wings are pale grey with a distinctive black trailing edge, highlighted by a narrow white line. Its tail is black with a single broad white band. A notable feature is the bare facial patch, which can be red or yellow. Both sexes appear similar, though juveniles display pale brown where adults are grey, and dark brown replaces the black areas.

When observing this raptor, look for the double-jointed ankles, a unique adaptation that allows it to probe into crevices for food. The African harrier-hawk's flight is characterized by its black trailing edge on the wings and the single white band on the tail. The facial patch color can also be a helpful identifier, varying between individuals.

This adaptable bird can be found in a range of habitats including thick rainforests, forest edges, riparian areas, agricultural lands, and even human-occupied areas. It is quite common in traditional rural villages and has been known to breed in palm trees within urban settings.

The African harrier-hawk is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, with a higher prevalence in the tropical regions of western Africa. Its presence becomes less common towards the eastern and southern parts of the continent.

This species exhibits a fascinating courtship display where pairs may soar together at great heights, often vocalizing. Males may perform undulating flights alone, and when in pairs, they may engage in talon-touching maneuvers. The African harrier-hawk is also known for its intelligence in locating prey by gauging the aggression level of mobbing passerines.

The call of the African harrier-hawk is a distinctive whistled "sueee-sueee-sueee," often heard during flight or courtship displays.

Breeding seasons vary across their range, with March to August in Nigeria and the austral summer in southern regions. Nests are large, circular structures made of sticks and lined with leaves, often reused across seasons. Clutch sizes range from one to three eggs.

An omnivorous diet includes fruit from oil palms and small vertebrates. Its climbing ability and double-jointed legs allow it to raid nests of cavity-nesters for eggs and nestlings. It also preys on introduced species such as feral pigeons and house sparrows.