African Goshawk vs. Two Crows (1 Viewer)

[Jan-Salie]

Hi all, I'm new to this forum, so I thought I'd post something I caught on camera this morning. An African Goshawk (If I have it right) in a tussle with two white chested crows.

Gauteng, SA.

 

[Sangahyando]

Hello, welcome to the forum. I don't think it's an African Goshawk (structure and overall pattern look wrong), but not sure what it is. Maybe an immature African Harrier-hawk?

 

[delia todd]

Hi Jan-Salie and a warm welcome to you.

Great pictures these, I hope we may see some more of your images in the Gallery too.

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[Ratal]

100% Juv Harrier Hawk. Great pics too of a wonderful bird!

 

[Jan-Salie]

Hi Jan-Salie and a warm welcome to you.

Great pictures these, I hope we may see some more of your images in the Gallery too.

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Hello! Thank you so much. I will definitely be posting some more. 😊

 

[Jan-Salie]

Hello, welcome to the forum. I don't think it's an African Goshawk (structure and overall pattern look wrong), but not sure what it is. Maybe an immature African Harrier-hawk?

Hello,

Yes I wasn't too sure. I was going on the pattern on it's breast and wings.. but to faint to see. I was also wondering why the crows were atting it..? Are the not usually scavengers? 🤔

 

[Sangahyando]

Hello,

Yes I wasn't too sure. I was going on the pattern on it's breast and wings.. but to faint to see. I was also wondering why the crows were atting it..? Are the not usually scavengers? 🤔

Crows like to mob any raptor, even the ones that pose no threat to adult crows. Some could be a potential threat to young crows or eggs, others are probably targeted in order to force them to relinquish whatever prey they might be carrying.

 

[Jan-Salie]

100% Juv Harrier Hawk. Great pics too of a wonderful bird!

Hi,

Yes, another user also said it could be a Juvenile Harrier. I initially heard the crows and then saw them twirling with the hawk. Maybe they were defending themselves? I'm not sure that crows are hunters 😅 thanks for the info!

 

[Jan-Salie]

Crows like to mob any raptor, even the ones that pose no threat to adult crows. Some could be a potential threat to young crows or eggs, others are probably targeted in order to force them to relinquish whatever prey they might be carrying.

Very interesting, now when I think about it the crows here tend to nest in the cellphonetowers and tall palm trees around my district. It could be that the hawk was trying it's luck with these crows, or as you said, it might have had food and had been passing through their territory.