Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – the African Harrier-Hawk

THE African Harrier-Hawk, previously known by the beautiful name Gymnogene, is a relatively common resident in the Upper Highway area. It is also a well-known species because of its distinctive colouring that is unlike any other raptor.

Description The adult is relatively easy to identify and the sexes are alike. It is the largest grey hawk in the region at 63cm, with black edges on the wings, a fine grey barring underneath and a distinctive white bar on a black tail. The bare yellow face is another unusual feature. Juveniles are a lot more difficult to identify due to the brown colour and they are easily confused with other brown raptors.

Behaviour They are seen flying overhead from time to time or, if you are lucky, you could spot one clumsily clambering around in a tree in your garden or hanging upside down while flapping its wings in search of food. They also sometimes walk on the veld, searching for food.

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Diet Their diet is varied and is made up of young birds, snakes, lizards, bats, insects and frogs.

Breeding These birds are monogamous. Depending on the area, the nest may be built in the fork of a large tree or in a hole in a cliff. It comprises of a platform of sticks that are lined with green leaves that are reused in successive years. They are also known to take over other raptor’s nests. Typically, two eggs are laid from September to November and are each laid in three-day intervals. The incubation period is between 35 and 36 days. The nestling/fledgling period is from 45 to 55 days and they are mainly fed by the male. The second hatched chick sometimes dies as a result of cainism (from the Biblical story of Cain and Abel, when the younger sibling is killed by the older).

Distribution Is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and South Africa, but largely absent from the arid area such as Karroo and Kalahari. They can often be spotted in the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve in the Nkutu area, or near the iNgolube (Bushpig) Falls. Recently, a pair nested near Memorial Park and successfully reared a youngster and, for a while, the family of three could be observed flying in the vicinity of the park.

Threat They are not threatened and are well represented in protected areas.

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Interesting facts The old name, Gymnogene, is derived from the modern Latin Gymnogenys which literally means ‘bare-chinned’. Although the name has changed, for many of us it will always be called Gymnogene. It has a rather unique physical feature in that specialised articulation at the knee joints allows the leg to bend in both directions, allowing it to grope in holes for nestlings, eggs, reptiles, frogs, insects and small mammals. It often raids weaver’s nests, and other bird nesting colonies. Due to its nest raids, it is also often mobbed by smaller birds. Although the bare face skin is normally yellow, it blushes to a deep red when startled or during mating displays.

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