Field Guide

African harrier hawks are solitary birds that soar gracefully over woodlands.

African harrier hawks call with a loud “wah-wah-wah,” but when they are flying they switch to a softer “suweeeeew” whistle.

Adapted for life as a robber, African harrier hawks raid nests for eggs and chicks. They hunt by soaring and by climbing around trees, and sometimes hang upside down from branches while in pursuit of their next meal.

Least concern

Like other raptors, African harrier hawks feed on small animals such as rodents, bats, birds, insects, amphibians, and chicks. A specialist at raiding nests for eggs, it also uses its compressed bill and unusual double-jointed legs to investigate rocks, tree crevices, and riverbanks for likely prey.

Their courtship blush is clearly visible because these birds have no feathers on their faces. Pairs use sticks to build a large nest in a tree or a suitable ledge or cliff, and line the nest with leaves. While more than one egg can be produced, there is fierce competition among hatchings, and older chicks often kill younger siblings.

The African harrier hawk is found mostly in the western and southern part of Kenya.

African harrier hawks are found in sub-Saharan Africa.