Black Sparrowhawk seen yesterday
on an Aves Birding Tour at Strandfontein Pans, Cape Town, South Africa.
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.
Birdwatching
Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures
to create an Aves custom tour for you or book on one of the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures:
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Aves Arid Birding
Tour/Safari/Adventure.
Aves Eastern Cape Birding
Tour / Safari /Adventure.
Aves Highlands / Tembe Birding Tour / Safari /
Adventure.
Aves KZN Birding
Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves North East
Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves North West Birding Tour
/ Safari / Adventure.
Aves Western Cape Birding
Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves West Coast
Birding Tour / Safari /Adventure.