#harrier-hawk

African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus)

Also known as the Harrier Hawk or Gymnogene, the African harrier-hawk is a bird-of-prey native to Africa south of the Sahara. Unlike other hawk species the diet of African harrier-hawk's diet is quite varied ranging from small mammals, birds, fledglings, insects, eggs, carrion and oil-palm fruit. They are also noted for hunting their prey in trees and rock faces, and can often be seen hanging from tree limbs in their search for foods. They also have very flexible legs and can bend them forward and backwards at large angles, allowing them to reach food that would otherwise be inaccessible. During the breeding season, like other hawks, the African harrier-hawk will preform an aerial courtship ritual which usual consists of the male and female locking claws and performing a circling display flight.

Phylogeny

Animalia-Chordata-Aves-Falconiformes (Accipitriformes)-Accipitridae-Polyboroides-radiatus