The African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus) is a medium-sized raptor, or a bird of prey

The African Harrier-Hawk has pale grey upperparts, head and chest. Its belly is white with fine dark barring. Its wings are pale grey with a black edge with a narrow white line. Its tail is black with a single broad white band. Young African Harrier-Hawks are brown instead of grey, with dark brown replacing the black parts.

It has double-jointed knees, which enable it to reach into holes and cracks in trees, to search for prey. It can climb trees.

African Harrier-Hawk

It is about 60–66 centimetres (23.5-26 inches) tall.

The African Harrier-Hawk can be found in woodland, tree plantations, and urban areas. It is omnivorous, eating fruit and small mammals.

It builds a stick nest in the fork of a tree. Females lay 1-3 eggs.

African Harrier-Hawk

African Harrier-Hawk

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM