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==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Melierax+gabar}} | {{GSearch|Melierax+gabar}} | ||
| − | {{GSearch|Micronisus+gabar | + | {{GSearch|Micronisus+gabar Use "Micronisus gabar" to }} |
[[Category:Birds]] | [[Category:Birds]] | ||
Revision as of 07:26, 3 August 2007
- Melierax gabar
Previously Micronisus gabar
Identification
It has the look of a small, slender hawk, rather like a miniature Pale Chanting Goshawk. The broad white rump, combined with a uniform grey upper breast is a very clear defining characteristic. In melanistic plumage the red (rather than yellow) legs and the strongly barred tail and wings distinguish it from the melanistic form of the Ovampo Sparrowhawk, with which it could otherwise be confused.
Distribution
Sub-Saharan Africa: widespread but discontinuous range breeding in Senegal, in Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana, and from south Niger and north Nigeria east to Ethiopia and west Somalia. Range extends south through eastern Africa to eastern Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Probaly also breeds in Yemen and south-west Saudi Arabia. Resident in some parts of range, a short-distance migrant in others. Common in many parts of range.
Taxonomy
Three subspecies are sometimes recognised: nominate in southern Africa, aequatorius in Central Africa and niger from West Africa to Yemen, but most authors regard this species as monotypic
Habitat
Open woodland, grassland with scattered trees and scrubland, Acacia thornbush and Brachystegia woodland.
Behaviour
The Gabar Goshawk is a swift little bird, living in savannah and bush country, and hunting with very quick rushes from within the foliage of a tree. It favours acacia bush country, but does come close to human habitation. Generally found singly or in pairs, this bird is not above taking prey which has been disturbed by a human intruder. It catches birds in very swift flight, either taking them on the wing, or driving them into dense vegetation.
