The same goes for ‘hawks’. In most laymen’s eyes there are two types of birds of prey, hawks and eagles. In other words, big ones and small ones. The ‘small one’ most referred to as a ‘hawk’ is the Yellowbilled Kite (Roberts 126), often seen visiting KZN skies between August and April. He is easily identified by his forked tail, twisting it left and right as he steers his flight, hunting for yummy roadkill.
As you wander north towards Zululand’s wild realms, another two brown ‘hawks’ will catch your eye. The more familiar one will be the Steppe Buzzard (Roberts 149), also migrating to us from as far away as Russia, between October and April. He is told apart from the YBK by his black bill and very short tail. Then, we have the Brown Snake Eagle (Roberts 142). Again, plain brown in colour and slightly larger, he is easily identified by his bright yellow eyes. He is resident, and less common than the former two species, but seen often on the road to Cape Vidal in the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.
The raptors are the most numerous and difficult family to identify, with South Africa having more than 70 species ranging from the tall Secretary Bird (Roberts 118) to the tiny Pygmy Falcon (Roberts 186). Birds of prey are the most exciting to find and observe, because wherever there is a ‘hawk’, there is bound to be a hunt or a kill. Well, not a ‘hawk’ then, but a kite, a buzzard, or an eagle…
An excellent addition to your burgeoning birdbook rack is the Raptor Identification Guide by Ulrich Oberprieler and Burger Cillie. This field-guide is a must-have if you really need to get over the ‘hawk’ thing.
