“Hooked bill, barring in the tail, quick flight pattern…it is definitely an accipiter!”
But, what exactly does that mean? Accipiter is a term that is often quite loosely thrown around to refer to any small raptor or bird of prey. While this is not entirely false, I decided it was time to clear up the matter. An Accipiter is a taxonomic term referring to a genus within the sub-family Acciptrinae. And this is when most of us (myself included) start losing interest. Taxonomy is a complex and intricate field with constant updates as new research comes to the fore making it quite tough to keep up with. Quite specifically Accipiters refer to the goshawk and sparrowhawk species of which there are six in Southern Africa. Trevor Carnaby explains in his book, Beat About the Bush: Birds that the Gabar goshawk is the only exception, belonging to the genus Melierax (meaning ‘melodius hawk’ as the chanting goshawks which also belong to this genus have a more melodic call) and has historically jumped between genuses and therefore acts as a link between chanting goshawks and the other goshawk and sparrowhawk species.
An African Goshawk. Photo courtesy of: ibc.lynxeds.com
A close up of an African Goshawk. Photo courtesy of: Wikipedia
At Londolozi we generally see the Shikra, which is also known as the little banded boshawk (Accipiter badius), little sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus) and our current camp resident, the African goshawk (Accipiter tachiro). By distribution map we also get black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) of which there was a rare sighting this year in March and the Ovambo Sparrowhawk (Accipiter ovampensis) which was last recorded about 10 years ago in the South Western part of the reserve.
Little Sparrowhawk on a Kurichane Buttonquail. Photo courtesy of: http://www.outdoorphoto.community/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=254679
Ovambo Sparrowhawk. Photo courtesy of: www.warwicktarboton.co.za
Black Sparrowhawk. Photo courtesy of: David Berliner of http://www.outdoorphoto.community/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=248157
Accipiters are exceptional hunters that prefer to hunt from concealed perches. Their shorter wings and longer tails aid them in fast flying through trees. I think this is why the one that lives in camp is so successful. The thicker riverine vegetation gives perfect coverage and the healthy riparian bird populations in the day and bat populations that come out at dusk provide ample food supply. It is such a highlight for me when walking through camp to suddenly catch a glimpse of this beautiful bird perched on the latte fence or swooping past for an evening meal.
Have any of our viewers seen the African Goshawk when staying at Londolozi?
Written by: Andrea Campbell, Land Care Assistant
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Interesting blog Andrea. Beautiful birds. Such a pleasure to see them.
Dear Andrea,
Thank you for this artical. I also want to thank you for having such a good eye. I doubt that I would have seen as many different types of birds had it not been for your sightings! As a result I have many beautiful photos.
Patricia Meadowcroft
Thanks Pat! When are you planning your next visit? It would be great to have you back.
Really interesting Andrea. South Africa has such beautiful birds. I loved seeing all the different species when I was at Londolozi…they were really interesting to watch and so beautifully coloured.
Thank you Andrea that is something that I leave to you Rangers/Guides who are the experts in the field. Enjoy your days in the bush 🙂
Hi Andrea, Yes I have seen the African Goshawk at Londos on several occasions but not when we there in April this year. However Little Banded Goshawk was frequently see perched in the Jackalberry outside the shop.
Nice article. Thanks. Ian
Thanks Ian. I am so glad you have seen both those species here. It was quite funny that the afternoon I posted this blog, the African Goshawk was chasing bats around the staff village!