The African hawk-eagle, scientifically known as Aquila spilogaster, is the only species of hawk eagle found in Africa. This large bird of prey belongs to the Accipitridae family and is native to tropical Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Unique Characteristics of the African Hawk Eagle

The African hawk-eagle is a medium-sized bird, with males reaching around 22-26 inches in length and weighing 3.3-4 lb, while females are generally larger. It has a distinctive appearance, with a slim body and head like a hawk, and white and black streaked underparts like an eagle. The underwing feathers are predominantly white with a black edge, and the upper parts of the body are mostly blackish with slight variations of white spots or brown areas.

Juveniles have lighter feathers that darken over time, with predominantly brown underparts that turn black with age. The bird’s distinctive bright yellow eyes and completely white thighs are also noteworthy features. There are no significant differences in appearance between male and female African hawk-eagles, but some studies suggest that female feathers have heavier markings than males.

The Adaptable Hunting Abilities of the African Hawk Eagle

Image source: African Hawk-Eagle by Bernard DUPONT

The African hawk-eagle is an adaptable bird, with sharp talons and a hooked beak that allow it to hunt and eat a variety of prey, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. It has excellent eyesight, which enables it to spot prey from a distance. The African hawk-eagle is found in dry, woodland habitats, as well as open savannas dotted with trees, and riparian forests, where it primarily hunts birds, including francolins and guineafowls.

The Nesting and Breeding Behavior of the African Hawk Eagle

The African hawk-eagle builds a large nest composed of sticks and places it high up in a tree, where the female lays 1-2 eggs that must be incubated for around 43 days. When the eaglets hatch, they are covered in dark grey down and practice siblicide, where the older nestling kills its sibling. The surviving nestling grows quickly and needs to eat a lot and often, with the mother tearing off small pieces of meat for the nestling and delicately feeding it with her bill.

Conservation Efforts for the African Hawk Eagle

The Peregrine Fund is actively studying African hawk-eagles to better understand the causes for their decline across Africa. They are GPS tracking the movements of five hawk-eagles in Kenya, studying their reproductive rates, and working to protect all raptors and their habitats in Kenya. Through environmental education efforts, they are also working to put a stop to the common practice of poisoning carcasses to kill large predators, which also kills a host of wildlife, including vultures, eagles, and other scavenging birds.

In conclusion, the African hawk-eagle is the only species of hawk eagle found in Africa. It is a medium-sized bird of prey with a distinctive appearance and adaptable hunting abilities. The African hawk-eagle builds a large nest in trees and practices siblicide, with the surviving nestling growing quickly and being fed by the mother. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitat in Africa.

References:
– https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/african-hawk-eagle
– https://ebird.org/species/afrhae1
– https://operationmigration.org/african-hawk-eagle-the-ultimate-guide/
– https://animalia.bio/african-hawk-eagle/
– https://avibirds.com/eagles-of-africa/