Black Sparrowhawk
The Black Sparrowhawk - Accipiter
melanoleucus - is the largest African member of the genus Accipiter.
There are currently two recognised subspecies of Black Sparrowhawk, which
occupy different regions within this species’ extensive range. Accipiter
melanoleucus temminckii is found from Senegal, eastwards to Gabon, Congo and
Central African Republic, while Accipiter melanoleucus melanoleucus occurs in
eastern Sudan and north-west Ethiopia, as well as in much of Central and
southern Africa. It occurs mainly in forests and non-desert areas south of the Sahara, particularly where there are large trees suitable
for nesting.
Description
The Black Sparrowhawk is a
distinctive bird of prey with conspicuous black and white plumage, rounded wing
tips and a long tail. The plumage is predominantly black with a white chest and
throat. The tails are cross-barred with about three or four paler stripes, and
the undersides of the wings with perhaps four or five, but these are less
well-defined. The cere and legs are yellow. Males are smaller than females.
Call
Males make loud “keeyp” call
while females make short “kek” call.
Food
They prey primarily on birds,
from small Doves to Hadeda and Guineafowl. They often take doves and pigeons
that have flourished due to urban growth and settlement. It is one of the more
fortunate species that have been able to adapt to their changing habitat due to
afforestation by taking advantage of the increase in dove and pigeon
populations. The main hunting technique is to perch on a tree, concealed
amongst the foliage, from which it makes a rapid dash to intercept its
unsuspecting prey.
Breeding
The Black Sparrowhawk’s breeding
season varies according to location, with populations in West Africa breeding
from August to November, while those in Central and southern Africa
mainly breed from May to October. These birds are particular about their nest
sites. They prefer sites within the tree canopy, to protect their offspring
from adverse weather conditions and other predators. The large stick nest is
placed high in a tree, frequently a eucalytpus or other exotic species. Unlike
most accipiters, this species often re-uses the same nest in successive years. Both
parents build the nest. The female lays 1 to 4 eggs, which are mainly incubated
by the female for between 36 to 38 days, while the male feeds her regularly at
the nest. The young fledge between 40 to 47 days. During brooding the Black Sparrowhawk
employs an ingenious form of pest control. It lines the nest with
strong-smelling eucalyptus leaves, which repel invertebrate pests and
parasites, such as blood-sucking mites, that may harm the young.
Conservation Status – Least Concern
The main threat
is deforestation, however they are not threatened, in fact its range and
population have increased due to the spread of alien trees, which it commonly
uses as nest sites. It is frequently killed because of its tendency to hunt
homing pigeons and poultry, but this practice does not seem to be seriously
impacting its numbers yet.
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