Raptor ID help: Kruger National Park (1 Viewer)

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Ted W

New member

• Jan 25, 2018

• #1

Hello all,

I recently returned from a fantastic trip to South Africa's Kruger National Park. I saw loads of incredible species but am having issues with identifying this one. Apologies for the poor photos, my excuse is that I wasn't with birders so occasionally I would have to snapshot. Seen near Bateleur Bushveld Camp mobbing a Wahlberg's eagle. I am fairly certain it was an Accipiter, potentially Ovambo Sparrowhawk? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

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T

Ted W

New member

• Jan 25, 2018

• #2

Another poor photo

photo 2

 

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Andrew Whitehouse

Professor of Listening

Supporter

• Jan 25, 2018

• #3

Welcome to BirdForum Ted. I've moved your thread to the Bird ID forum, where it's more likely to be seen.

 

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Jan 25, 2018

• #4

I honestly doubt that you'll get a solid ID from this shot, however, based on status, Ovambo Sparrowhawk is probably the least likely candidate even though you would be in it's given, SA range.


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C

Cinereous

Well-known member

• Jan 25, 2018

• #5

Seems very small.. Could it be the Little Sparrowhawk??

 

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Jan 25, 2018

• #6

Cinereous said:

Seems very small.. Could it be the Little Sparrowhawk??

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AKA Shikra, it's more likely than Ovambo but as I said, doubt it's do'able with certainty.


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screaming piha

Well-known member

• Jan 25, 2018

• #7

andyadcock said:

AKA Shikra

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Little Sparrowhawk is a different species than Shikra.

 

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Jan 25, 2018

• #8

screaming piha said:

Little Sparrowhawk is a different species than Shikra.

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Sorry, my error


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tconzemi

Tom

Supporter

• Jan 25, 2018

• #9

it does not look very small to my eyes, Wahlberg’s is a small eagle but still an eagle. The only ID feature I see is the plain central tail feather which should make it a Shikra

 

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Jan 25, 2018

• #10

tconzemi said:

it does not look very small to my eyes, Wahlberg’s is a small eagle but still an eagle. The only ID feature I see is the plain central tail feather which should make it a Shikra

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What is it causing the impression of a vertical bar running the full length of the tail, is that what you refer to Tom?

It's not a feature that's shown in any of my books?


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tconzemi

Tom

Supporter

• Jan 25, 2018

• #11

andyadcock said:

What is it causing the impression of a vertical bar running the full length of the tail, is that what you refer to Tom?

It's not a feature that's shown in any of my books?


A

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yes Andy, it is nowhere mentioned as a flight identification but an important feature in sitting Accipiter with Shikra having unbarred, uniform central tail feather, it is the only explanation I can find for this tail